Systems and methods for analyzing resource production

ABSTRACT

A method for drilling a well includes prescribing a drill recipe with a drill analysis engine based on a field-specific model. The drill recipe identifies prescribed segments, mud flow parameters, and drill parameters. Each prescribed segment of the prescribed segments includes a start depth. The method further includes initiating drilling of the well based on the drill recipe; receiving a drill log in narrative text format; detecting a drill event inconsistent with the drill recipe by analyzing the drill log with a log analysis engine; prescribing an adjusted drill recipe with the drill analysis engine based on the field-specific model in response to the drill event, the adjusted drill recipe including adjusted prescribed segments; and drilling the well based on the adjusted drill recipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/172,735, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING RESOURCEPRODUCTION,” filed Jun. 8, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/195,775, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING RESOURCEPRODUCTION,” filed Jul. 22, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/246,121, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING RESOURCEPRODUCTION,” filed Oct. 25, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to systems and methods forperforming data analysis, prediction, and prescription using scripting.

BACKGROUND

Industry is increasingly relying on analytics and prediction systems topredict events and business outcomes. With these predictions, businesseshope to preempt problems and improve business performance. However, suchanalytics systems are becoming increasingly complex, limiting usabilityby managers.

In particular, subprocesses within the analytics system, such as datapreprocessing and modeling, utilize complex algorithms and techniques,each using a variety of parameters and factors that influencefunctionality. For example, industry is increasingly turning tounstructured data sources that are preprocessed using a variety ofinterpreters and algorithms, each utilizing a different set ofparameters and providing a different output.

As such, the complexity of conventional analytics systems often preventsuse of such systems by business management. Further, the expenseassociated with using expert labor to perform analysis and yieldpredictions leads to less frequent use and lowers the cost effectivenessof such systems.

In particular, such systems have can have use in resource management,such as oil field management, and other production-based industries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process.

FIG. 2 includes a graph illustration of an exemplary relationshipbetween a performance indicator and time.

FIG. 3 includes a graph illustration of exemplary relationships betweenthe value of influencers and time.

FIG. 4 includes a graph illustration of exemplary relationships betweentime and the contribution of an influencer to the value of a performanceindicator.

FIG. 5 includes a graph illustration of exemplary changes to the valueof an influencer projected over time.

FIG. 6 includes an illustration of an exemplary process for predictivedecision making.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 include illustrations of exemplary methods fordetermining key performance indicator values.

FIG. 9 includes an illustration of exemplary system including inputsinto an analytic system.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 include illustrations of exemplary analyticssystems.

FIG. 12 includes a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method forperforming analytics, including prediction and prescription.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a topology thatcan be used in conjunction with an implementation of embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 include flow diagrams illustrating exemplaryprocesses.

FIG. 16 includes an illustration of an exemplary interface.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 include illustrations of exemplary oil fields.

FIG. 19 includes a time line of production.

FIG. 20 includes an illustration of wells.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 include graph illustrations of well production.

FIG. 23 includes a flow diagram of an exemplary method for production.

FIG. 24, FIG. 25, and FIG. 26 include flow diagrams of exemplary methodsfor production.

FIG. 27 includes an illustration of an exemplary system.

FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 include flow diagramsillustrating exemplary methods for production.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, an analytics system includes several subsystems and aconfiguration script to configure aspects of the subsystems. Thesubsystems can include a preprocessing subsystem, an insight or modelingsubsystem, a prediction subsystem, a prescription subsystem, or acombination thereof. The configuration script can include elementsrelevant to the configuration of several of the subsystems and caninclude elements to specifically configure individual subsystems. In anexample, the configuration script can identify variables, such asinfluencers and performance indicators, used by several of thesubsystems. In addition, the configuration script can identify specificparameters, processes, or data useful by a particular subsystem. Such ananalytics system is particularly adapted for Prescriptive Analytics®techniques. In particular, such an analytic system can be used toprescribe actions, such as actions at future times useful for achievingperformance goals. Further, associated methods and systems can be usedto provide a Decision-as-a-Service™ software and online services toassist business entities achieve a desired performance.

In particular, the analytics system and methods can be used to implementPrescriptive Analytics® techniques that assist with determining futureactions or decisions in view of business rules and projected outcomes.The methods can be embodied in executable instructions, processors orsystems to execute such instructions, interfaces implemented by suchsystems, media storing such executable instructions, and servicesderived from the use of such methods and systems. In addition, themethods can be utilized to provide Predictive Decision Management®information and services, such as Decision-as-a-Service™ services. Inparticular, the methods can implement predictive analysis, such asforecasting to project what will happen and when. Further, the methodscan implement optimization, scenario testing, and root cause analysis offactors that influence performance.

In an embodiment, a system predicts problems that can occur, providingan indication of both the nature of the problem and when it is expectedto occur. The problems can be expressed as deviations in performanceindicators that violate business criteria. For example, a problem can beexpressed as the value of a performance indicator crossing a threshold.In addition, the system supports testing of solutions to the predictedproblem. The solutions are expressed in terms of what action to take andwhen to take such action. As such, the system assists with determining adesirable set of future actions to maintain a business process incompliance with business criteria. Deviations from performanceindicators that violate business criteria can also include opportunitiesfrom which the business can benefit. For example, when a future customersatisfaction score exceeds a threshold, the business can decide toreduce its service level and thus, reduce cost.

Businesses rely on business processes to function. Evaluating how wellthat business process is performing allows a business to allocateresources, increase production, improve its position in the marketplace, increase profitability, or any combination thereof. For example,a business process can include a call center, the function beingcustomer service or technical support. In another example, the businessprocess can include field services, the function being productinstallation or repair. In a further example, the business process canbe a marketing department, the function being to control publicperception of the business or a response rate. In additional examples,the business process can include transactions services, finance andaccounting, manufacturing, logistics, sales, or any combination thereof.

In particular, evaluation of the business process can be correlated withperformance indicators (PIs). One or more performance indicators (PIs)can be used to quantify how well a business process is performing. Forexample, a call center can quantify performance using performanceindicators, such as customer satisfaction, problem resolution,productivity indicators, cost indicators, or any combination thereof.

Once determined, the performance indicators (PIs) can be compared withbusiness criteria to determine whether the business process isperforming as desired. For example, a business criterion can includethreshold values, limits on rates of change, heuristics associated withaspects of the business function or any combination thereof. Forexample, the performance indicator (PI) can be compared to a thresholdvalue to determine whether the performance indicator (PI) is within adesired range or is in violation of the threshold, indicating poorperformance or an unnecessary high performance.

The performance indicators (PIs) are influenced by other factorsassociated with performing the business process. In particular, suchfactors are referred to as influencers and influencers correlate withthe performance indicators. For example, an influencer associated withcall center performance can include the number of contacts made with acustomer to resolve an issue, the type of issue, hold time, shippingdelays, or any combination thereof, among others. Such influencers can,for example, influence performance indicators, such as customersatisfaction and brand satisfaction. Performance indicators (PIs) orinfluencers can be of numerical (continuous or integer) nature,categorical nature, or a combination thereof. Further, the PIs orinfluencers can be ordered or can be non-ordered. In another example,the distributions of performance indicators (PIs) or influencers areutilized or predicted. In particular, a PI distribution provides dataabout the underlying nature of the median or mean value. For example,when the PI relates to customer satisfaction, an average value does notprovide information about the number of dissatisfied customers. Anaverage of 80% satisfaction can be the result of all participants havinga satisfaction near 80% or can be the result of several 100% satisfiedcustomers and a few very dissatisfied customers. Identifying theexistence and then cause of the few very dissatisfied customers canprovide greater benefit than seeking to achieve an average value. In thecase of categorical performance indicators (PIs) or influencers, such aprediction can include the prediction of the occurrence set ofcategories. As used below, the term “value” is used to include numericalvalues, categorical values, or any combination thereof.

The influencers and the performance indicators (PIs) change over time.The change can be caused by the change of influencers or by a timedependency of a performance indicator on itself. As such, theperformance indicator (PI) can deviate overtime and violate businesscriteria, which is indicative of a problem in the business unit or lowperformance. To correct the deviation, associated influencers can bemanipulated. For example, more staff can be added to reduce hold time.However, immediate manipulation of the influencers to solve a problempredicted in the future can provide less than desirable solutions to theproblems in the business process. For example, hiring more staff longbefore the hold times are expected to increase leads to higher cost inthe call center. The present system can assists with determining adesirable set of future actions to maintain a business processincompliance with business criteria.

In an embodiment, the present system performs a method to determine sucha desirable set of future actions. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates amethod 2600, which includes acquiring data (2602), determiningrelationships and criteria (2604), predicting outcomes (2606) andadjusting future actions (2608). The present system can acquire data, asillustrated at 2602, from a variety of sources. The data can be acquiredfrom external sources. Exemplary external sources include databases,customer service logs, surveys, testing, or any combination thereof,among others. In particular, the data can be derived from structuredsources. In another example, the data can be derived from unstructuredsources. The data can be transformed and aggregated. In addition, thedata can be cleaned. The resulting data can be stored in a datamanagement system.

In an example, the system can also use streaming data sources wherethere is no intermediate data management system for the storage ofaggregated data. Such a system is especially useful for big unstructureddata sets (terabyte data) where the use of a rational databasemanagement system would be inefficient or economically unacceptable. Insuch an example, techniques such as Map/Reduce are applied based on BigData processing systems like Apache Hadoop.

Once clean aggregated data is available, relationships betweenperformance indicators and potential influencers can be determined andcriteria for performance can be established, as illustrated at 2604.Such relationships permit projection of potential outcomes, which can becompared with the criteria to determine whether the business process isfunctioning well. In particular, the relationships can identifyinfluencers that have a greater influence on one or more performanceindicators.

As illustrated at 2606, outcomes can be projected. Projecting caninclude predictive analysis to determine what is to happen. Predictiveanalysis can include forecasting to determine what is to happen and inwhat time frame. In particular, such projection can include projectingthe value of one or more performance indicators based on the determinedrelationships and expected values of influencers. In a further example,the future values of one or more influencers are projected, and theperformance indicators are determined based at least in part on thefuture values of the one or more influencers. Projecting, and inparticular, forecasting can be performed using an algorithm constrainedwith business rules. For example, the values of influencers orperformance indicators can be constrained based on rules established bythe business. In an example, one or more of the performance indicatorsare projected to violate one or more business criteria at future times.For example, the value of a performance indicator can cross a thresholdat a future time step. In this way, the business process is providedwith warning about a potential problem that may arise in the future.

The present system can also permit adjustment of future actions, asillustrated at 2608. For example, to determine a solution to a projectedproblem, the system can adjust, in an automatic mode or through manualadjustment, the future value of one or more influencers. The performanceindicators can be projected using the adjusted influencer values todetermine whether the problem is solved. In particular, the adjustmentto influencer values can be made at one or more future time steps. Assuch, minor adjustments to an influencer value can be made during aseries of time steps. In another example, a large adjustment can be madeat a single time step closer to the projected violation of the businesscriteria. The process can be iterated to determine a particularlyadvantageous set of future actions that maintain the performanceindicators at desired states. In particular, a performance indicator canbe optimized by adjusting one or more values of the influencers. As usedherein, optimizing is a process of adjusting values to meet or approacha criterion. Further, the process can be constrained based on businessrules. For example, business rules can set boundaries to the values ofinfluencers or performance indicators.

In addition, the future actions and data derived therefrom can be usedto recalibrate the system. For example, new results relating actionstaken can be used to inform the algorithm and for selection of analgorithm. Other processes, such as iteratively adjusting or optimizingor root cause analysis, can be performed automatically or continuouslyin response to new data.

To conceptually illustrate the iterations to determine a desirable setof future actions to maintain a business process in compliance withbusiness criteria, FIG. 2 includes a graph illustration of therelationship between the value of a performance indicator and time. Asillustrated, with each step in time, the value of the performanceindicator changes. At the fourth time step, the value of the performanceindicator violates a business criterion. The business criterion isillustrated as a threshold 2702. When the value of the performanceindicator extends above the threshold 2702 or is below the threshold2704, the performance indicator has violated business criteria.Alternatively, the business criteria can be expressed as limits to arate of change. In another example, the thresholds can have differencevalues at different times.

FIG. 3 illustrates expected influencer values over time. To more easilyvisualize a comparison, the values can be normalized. While a multilinechart is used to illustrate FIG. 3 for conceptual purposes, theinfluencer values can include categorical values, numerical values, orany combination thereof. For example, an influencer 2802 can haveconstant values at each of a series of time steps. In another example,an influencer 2804 can have values that increase with each subsequenttime step. Alternatively, the value of an influencer can fluctuate witheach time step. For example, an influencer 2806 can decrease in a firsttime step and increase at a subsequent time step. While the values ofthree exemplary influencers are illustrated, influencer values can beprojected to increase, decrease, or remain the same with each time stepin the time series.

In particular, the influencer values or categories can be projectedbased on known factors and prior history. For example, if call volume orhold time are considered influencers of customer satisfaction in a callcenter, it may be projected, based on past experience, that call volumeand hold time increase during holiday seasons. In a field serviceprocess for a heating and air conditioning company, service calls canincrease during summer months in Southern regions and increase in wintermonths in Northern regions. As such, embodiments of the present systemcan utilize manually set values of influencers, projected values ofinfluencers, or any combination thereof.

Each influencer can contribute to the projected value of one or moreperformance indicators and each performance indicator can be a functionof one or more influencers and time. In particular, determining therelationship of influencers and performance indicators includesdetermining the contribution of each influencer to the value of aprojected performance parameter. Such conceptual contributions are inpractice a model derived from data and relevant algorithms. FIG. 4illustrates conceptually the contribution of two influencers to aprojected performance indicator. In addition to the value of theinfluencer, the value of the performance indicator can be influenced byhow much a particular influencer influences the value of the performanceindicator at future time steps. For example, the contribution of aninfluencer 2902 to the value of a performance indicator can decreaseover time. As illustrated, the value of influencer 2902 contributessignificantly to the current value of the performance indicator.However, the value of the influencer 2902 contributes less to projectedvalues of the performance indicator. In such an example, the influencer2902 may not correlate with future values of the performance indicator.In contrast, the contribution of an influencer 2904 to the value of aperformance indicator increases at subsequent time steps. For example,the value of the influencer 2904 can correlate strongly with the valueof the performance indicator at a future time step.

Using the influencer values or categories, whether projected or manuallyset, and using the relationships of such influencer values or categorieson future values of the performance indicator, the system can projectperformance indicator values or categories over a series of future timesteps and iteratively adjust the influencer values or the occurrence ofcategories at future time steps to determine desirable changes toinfluencer values or categories at future time steps that maintain theperformance indicators in balance with the business criteria.

For example, FIG. 5 includes an illustration of sets of changes that canbe made to the values of an influencer through a time series. In anexample, the value of the influencer can be constant through time, asillustrated at 3002. Such a path (set of consecutive values of aninfluencer) can lead to a violation of a business criterion byperformance indicators. To prevent violation of the business criterion,the influencer can be decreased at at least one future time step. Forexample, at a third time step the influencer can be reducedsignificantly, as illustrated at 3004, to prevent a violation. Inanother example, the influencer can be gradually reduced over a seriesof time steps, as illustrated at 3006. As such, different paths or setsof changes to an influencer value can be assessed to determine apreferred path that maintains the business process in compliance. In anexample, such a path can be preferred because it is a lower costsolution or has advantages not present with other paths.

As such, embodiments of the present system can assist with determining aset of future actions (changes to influencers) that maintain a businessprocess, as quantified by performance indicators, in compliance withbusiness criteria. In other words, the present system can assist withdetermining which changes to make to a business process and when to makesuch changes.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a system 3100 includes tools3102 for processing raw data gathered from external sources. Forexample, the tools 3102 can assist with loading data from externalsources, transforming the data into desirable formats, aggregating thedata, and cleaning the data.

In particular, the data can be derived from structured sources, such asdatabases, tables, listings, or any combination thereof. In anotherexample, the data can be derived from unstructured sources. Unstructuredsources are sources that are interpreted using human or artificialintelligence and, for example, include video sources, audio sources,narrative text, or any combination thereof. Narrative text includes, forexample, articles, blogs, emails, and other writings in prose, such asthose available via the internet or electronic sources. Further,unstructured sources can include documents having narrative text andincluding enriched formatting, such as tags. For example, theunstructured source can include a narrative text document formulated ina hypertext, XML or tagged format. Once processed, the data is stored,for example, in a data management system, such as a database 3104.

The data and a set of algorithms 3106 can be used to prepare models.Algorithms 3106 can take the form of heuristics or the form ofalgorithms to form regression models, Markov chains, time series models,state space models, Bayesian models, neural networks, or any otherappropriate model, or any combination thereof. In particular, exemplaryalgorithms 3106 include autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA), seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA), autoregressive conditionalheteroskedasticity (ARCH), or generalized autoregressive conditionalheteroskedasticity (GARCH), among others. The data can be applied thoughthe algorithms 3106 to provide relationships and models betweeninfluencers and performance indicators, which can be validated against atest set from the original data, at validation 3108. Validation 3108results can be used by selector 3110 to select a preferred model 3106.The model is assembled and stored in a model management system 3112,through which performance indicators can be projected and desirablepaths of influencer values determined.

Once prepared, embodiments of the present system can apply new externaldata, in addition to existing data, to project the values of influencersand performance indicators. A user can configure the system,establishing, for example, a period over which projects are to be made,and other parameters associated with the system. In addition,embodiments of the system can assist with ranking a set of influencersbased on their contribution to a particular performance indicator. Asmall change in a high ranking influencer can have a greater effect on aperformance indicator than a large change in a low ranking influencer.Such a ranking can be used to perform root cause analysis. Further, thesystem can be tested for accuracy based on the model. The ranking can bedisplayed on a display device.

In further explanation of a system 3600, key performance indicators 3602are influenced by influencers 3604 as constrained by constraints 3608,as illustrated in FIG. 7. Further, a user 3612 can influence therelationships established between constraints (R) and influencers (I).For example, a user can select parameters, a type of model, or otherfactors that influence how a relationship (r) is established between theinfluencers 3604, the constraints 3608, and the KPI 3602. In an example,the user 3612 can influence the system through a user interface or byusing a configuration script.

Such a relationship (r) permits the determination of the KPI 3602 at oneor more future time periods based on present and future values ofinfluencers 3604 subject to constraints 3608. In addition, such arelationship (r) is useful for determining the influence of changes inthe influencers 3604 on the KPI 3602 at a selected future time. As aresult, root cause analysis can be performed specifically for theselected future time or generally across time periods. In addition, thesystem can automatically or iteratively determine a set of actionabletasks including changes to influencer values over time to provide futureKPI values 3602 that do not violate business rules, subject toconstraints 3608. A business rule can be a constraint. Alternatively, abusiness rule can be different than a constraint. In a further example,a user can manipulate one or more future values of a selected influencer3604 to determine the effect on the future value of a key performanceindicator.

The constraints 3608 can take a variety of forms including boxconstraints, functional constraints, quantized constraints, stepconstraints or any combination thereof. The constraint may not be staticover time. In particular, the system can indicate that a constraint isto be changed based on auxiliary data. As a result, a constraint canevolve over time, providing an indication of new business rules or a newparadigm discovered through data provided to the system. For example, arange associated with a box constraint can be changed when a value ofthe KPI or an influencer is frequently in violation of limits of a boxconstraint. Such sticking to an upper or lower constraint can indicatethat a more optimal solution is found in a different range of theinfluencer value. When the constraint is a function, the form of thefunction or the parameters associated with the function can change overtime as data is provided to the system. Such constraints can also be arelationship based on business rules and performance indicators. In anadditional example, a constraint can limit the range of an associatedinfluencer based on the temporally adjacent values of the associatedinfluencer. In an example, constraints 3610 are each influenced byexternal data 3614. As external data is provided to the constraints3610, constraints can change or can provide a user with an indicationthat the constraint should be reconsidered. In such a manner, newbusiness rules can be discovered, preconceived notions of doing businesscan be reevaluated, and adjustments to the constraints can beconsidered.

Determining whether to change a constraint or other rules within thesystem can be performed utilizing meta-rules. Meta-rules can apply ageneralize rule to constraints based on the type of constraint or thebehavior of data associated with the constraint. For example, when aprescribed influencer is at the top or the bottom of a box constraintfor a set number of times, the system can indicate that the constraintshould be reconsidered. In another example, when an influencer exhibitserratic changes providing a high variance in influencer values, theabsence of a constraint or a preference for reconsidering constraintscan be indicated. In such a manner, business rules and other constraintscan be adaptive, compensating for changes in a business environment.

In a further example, analysis by user 3612 can influence the nature ofthe relationship. Using techniques, such as Bayesian networks, canindicate whether additional influencers should be included in therelationship (r). For example, analysis of the system can indicate thatan additional influencer 3606 should be provided to establish arelationship (r) for determining future KPI values. As such, the systemcan assist with building a relationship model, selecting appropriateinfluencers, and introducing or removing influencers as a businessenvironment changes or the influencers lose influence on the KPI.

Such networks can be further utilized to translate actions 3706 intoinfluencers 3704 that are used in relational models to determine valuesof the performance indicators 3702, as illustrated at FIG. 8. Inparticular, exemplary action hierarchies can combine user actions 3706into differing influencers 3704 that provide relationships fordetermining future values of key performance indicators. In this way,the system 3700 can provide a way of translating actionable businessactions to future values of key performance indicators usingintermediary influencer values. When influencer values are determinedfor a future actionable pathway, actions 3706 can be determined frominfluencers 3704 and implemented by a user.

The future value of an influencer can also be limited by values oftemporally neighboring future values. For example, an influencer at afirst future time can limit the value of the influencer at a secondfuture time. Such a limit can be expressed based on step limits (e.g.,maximum permissible change). In another example, the limit can beexpressed as a function of time. For example, limits on the value of aninfluencer can change based on time, either relative or according to acalendar.

When limits to influencer values are a function of time or otherinfluencer values, optimization to achieve a desired key performanceindicator value can take longer to implement. Limits to influencer orindicator values that are a function of time or other influencer orindicator values are referred to herein as “functors.” For example, whenan influencer value is functionally constrained based on time, changingthe value of the influencer to a substantially optimal value can beprevented until the functional constraint permits the influencer to havethe substantially optimal value.

In a further example, the relationships for predicting the KPIs can berecalibrated. In particular, a trigger rule can be evaluated when newdata is received. For example, a predicted value of a KPI can becompared to an actual value and when the difference is significant, suchas beyond a threshold, recalibration can be triggered.

Recalibration can include adjusting parameters of a model based on newdata. The system can also determine that the previous model no longerreflects the relationships between influencers and performanceindicators. A model can be restructured to better reflect therelationships. In another example, a new influencer can be added to themodel. In a further example, a new type of algorithm or model can beselected and the parameters determined for the new type of algorithm ormodel based on the new data and past data. Once recalibration isperformed, the system can provide an updated prediction, root-causeanalysis, or prescription.

Further, the system can provide a warning when suggested actions are notimplemented. For example, when the system predicts that a future valueof a key performance indicator will be in violation of a business ruleand prescribes an action and when new data indicates that the action wasnot implemented and the key performance indicator will be in violationof the business rule, the system can provide an indication or send amessage to a supervisor indicating that the actions were not taken. Forexample, an indication can be displayed on an interface device, sent viaemail, sent as a text message, or provided as a voicemail.

Such analytics and prescriptive methods can be implemented by analyticssystem. In particular, the analytics system may include one or moreinterfaces, one of which being a configuration script. The configurationscript can be used to at least partially configure the analytics systemin preparation for analysis and prescription processing.

For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a system 4000 that includes an analyticssystem 4006. The analytics system 4006 is in communication with aconfiguration script 4004. In addition, the analytics system 4006 may bein communication with a user interface 4002. Optionally, the userinterface 4002 can be used to configure the analytics system 4006. Theconfiguration script 4004 can be used to configure several subsystems ofthe analytics system 4006 with information relevant to each of theconfigured subsystems. In addition, the configuration script 4004 caninclude specific information to configure individual subsystems. Forexample, the configuration script 4004 can establish variables. Suchvariables can include influencers and performance indicators. Each ofthe subsystems of the analytics system 4006 can utilize the influencersand performance indicators as identified in the configuration script4004 as part of their respective configurations. In another example, theconfiguration script 4004 can identify models and algorithms, as well asassociated parameters, to be used by a particular subsystem of theanalytics system 4006. Further, the configuration script 4004 canidentify constraints, functors, thresholds, and other business criteriauseful by one or more of the subsystems of the analytics system 4006.

In an example, an analytics system includes a preprocessing subsystem,an insight subsystem (also referred to as a modeling subsystem), aprediction subsystem, and a prescription subsystem. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 10, an analytics system 4100 includes apreprocessing subsystem 4102, an insight subsystem 4104, a predictionsubsystem 4106, and a prescriptions subsystem 4108. A configurationscript 4110 is accessible by each of the subsystems 4102, 4104, 4106,and 4108. In addition, each of the subsystems 4102, 4104, 4106, and 4108can be accessed through a user interface, through which a user candirectly enter parameters and select options. The user interface mayalso access the configuration script 4110 to populate the userinterface.

The configuration script 4110 can identify a set of variables includinginfluencers and performance indicators. The identified influencers caninclude immutable influencers and mutable influencers. Each of thesubsystems 4102, 4104, 4106, and 4108 can utilize the identifiedvariables to perform their respective function. In addition, theconfiguration script 4110 can identify algorithms, models, methods, orprocesses, as well as parameters, inputs and data useful by suchalgorithms, models, methods, or processes for a particular subsystem.

In an example, the analytics system 4100 includes a preprocessingsubsystem 4102 which accesses raw data sources and formulates a data setuseful by other subsystems of the analytics system 4100. For example,the preprocessing subsystem 4102 can access structured data sources 4112and unstructured data sources 4114. Structured data sources 4112 caninclude databases, tables, spreadsheets, calendars, delimited data orstructured text files. The processing subsystem 4102 can access suchstructured data sources 4112 and using specified algorithms and methods,parse, clean or otherwise restructure the data 4112 for use by othersubsystems within the analytics system 4100.

Further, the preprocessing subsystem 4102 can access unstructured datasources 4114. For example, the unstructured data sources can includenarrative text, audio, image or video. A selected unstructured datasource can be processed through an interpreter 4116 to providestructured data in a form that other subsystems of the analytics system4100 can use. For example, an interpreter may be used to samplenarrative text from websites or user comments to evaluate usersentiment. In another example, a preprocessing subsystem 4102 can use aninterpreter 4116 to determine sentiment based on audio files, such asaudio files generated from customer service phone calls. In a furtherexample, an interpreter 4116 can be used to process a video file toanalyze human emotion relative to variety of subjects.

In an example, the interpreter 4116 defines a variable or entity,extracts the value of the variable and associates the value with a time.An exemplary interpreter for analyzing narrative texts can include wordfrequency counting, associating a word frequency value with the date ofthe narrative writing. In another example, an interpreter for video orphoto images may identify a mouth or other facial feature and fit apolynomial to the facial feature, associating the parameters of fitpolynomial with a time stamp of the video or photos. In another example,the time to be associated with the fitted polynomial parameters can be afile date, or the interpreter or user can identify a time of year basedon the background within the video image or photo.

In order to process data, the preprocessing subsystem 4102 can accessthe configuration script 4110. The configuration script 4110 canidentify variables for which data is to be processed. In particular, theconfiguration script 4110 can identify a variable, a data sourceassociated with the variable, the type of data source, an algorithm,method, or interpreter to use in analyzing the data source, otherparameters associated with the algorithm, method, or interpreter, aformat of data to be provided to other subsystems within the analyticssystem 4100, or any combination thereof. For example, the configurationscript 4110 may identify a structured data source 4112, a method to usewith the structured data source, the type of data source to beprocessed, and a variable, such as an influencer or performanceindicator, to associate with the data source. The preprocessingsubsystem 4102 performs extraction, transfer, and loading (ETL)functionality, including cleaning, removing duplicates, normalizingdata, and aggregating the data for use by other subsystems.

In another example, the configuration script 4110 can identify a datasource such as an unstructured data source 4114, the nature the datasource (e.g., narrative text, audio, image, or video), an interpreter4116 to process the data source, and parameters associated with theinterpreter 4116, as well as a variable to associated with the outputfrom the interpreter.

An insight or modeling subsystem 4104 of the analytics system 4110 canutilize the processed data and formulate a model associating influencerswith performance indicators. For example, the insight subsystem 4104 canaccess data provided by the preprocessing subsystem 4102. In addition,the insight subsystem 4104 can access the configuration script 4110. Theconfiguration script 4110 can provide an identity of variables, such asinfluencers and performance indicators. In addition, the configurationscript 4110 can identify which modeling technique to use in developing amodel to associate influencers with performance indicators, as well asparameters associated with the selected modeling technique. For example,the insight subsystem 4104 can be configured to implement a model usinga modeling technique such heuristics, regression models, Markov chains,time series models, state space models, Bayesian models, neuralnetworks, or any other appropriate model, or any combination thereof.The configuration script 4110 can select a particular modeling techniqueto use with a set of data and parameters associated with the selectedmodeling technique. For example, a neural net modeling technique may bespecified in the configuration script 4110 and a number of nodes or nodelevels to be used in developing a neural net model associated with theselected data. In a further example, the model type can be a geneticalgorithm and parameters associated with such a genetic algorithm caninclude population size or a crossover operator. In an additionalexample, the model type may be a polynomial fit and the parameter may bean order of the polynomial. Additional parameters that may be associatedwith modeling can include selecting a training set size or tests setsize and specifying how the training set is selected such as randomly ora specified set. In a further example, a k-fold training may bespecified as a parameter to the model subsystem.

In another example, more than one model type and associated parameterscan be specified in the configuration script, along with selectioncriteria for selecting a model. For example, several models of thespecified model types can be derived from the influencer and indicatordata. One of the models can be selected based on selection criteria,such as a measure of accuracy or error.

Once the model is developed by the insight subsystem 4104, predictionsabout the performance indicators can be made by the prediction subsystem4106. In particular, the prediction subsystem 4106 may access the modeldeveloped by the insight subsystem 4104, as well as data formulated bythe processing subsystem 4102. The prediction subsystem 4106 can projectvalues of the associated variables including influencers, such asmutable or immutable influencers, and performance indicators based on amodel developed by the insight subsystem 4104.

The prediction subsystem 4106 can also access the configuration script4110. The configuration script 4110 identifies variables, including theinfluencers and the performance indicators. In addition, theconfiguration script 4110 can include parameters useful by thepredictions subsystem 4106, such as a time horizon for makingprojections, time granularity associated with the steps towards the timehorizon, and other features or parameters. In particular, the timegranularity may identify an increment of time and may be stated inspecific time increments, such as a week, a month, quarterly, annually,etc. Alternatively, the length of increment may be consistent throughoutthe system and the time granularity can be expressed as a number ofincrements (e.g., 1, 2, or 3). The time horizon can be established as anendpoint to the prediction to be provided to a user, such as in 3 weeks,in 4 months, three quarters from now, or 5 years from now. Inparticular, the time horizon can be expressed as a number of thegranular periods (e.g., 1, 2, 5, or 10). The time granularity and timehorizon are not limited by the above examples and can include timeperiods and increments larger or smaller than the above examples.

Utilizing the prediction system 4106, a prescription subsystem 4108 canprovide a suggested course of action based on suggested influencervalues at future time periods. For example, when a performance indicatoris predicted by the predictions subsystem of 4106 to violate a businesscriterion or rule, the prescription subsystem 4108 manipulates thefuture influencer values to determine a pathway for bringing theperformance indicator in compliance with a business criteria or businessrules. The prescription subsystem 4108 can access the configurationscript 4110 to utilize the identified variables, such as influencers andperformance indicators. In particular, the configuration script 4110 canidentify mutable influencers that may be manipulated by the prescriptionsubsystem 4108 to bring the performance indicator in compliance withbusiness rules or business criteria. Further, the configuration script4110 can identify an objective function or performance indicator aboutwhich to optimize. The configuration script 4110 can also identify anoptimization routine and associated parameters to be utilized by theprescription subsystem 4108 for finding a set of future influencervalues that provide a desirable course of action to bring theperformance indicator in compliance with business rules of businesscriteria.

The configuration script 4110 can further include business criteria,thresholds, rules, functors, and other elements to configure one or moresubsystems, such as the predictions subsystem 4106 or the prescriptionsubsystem 4108. For example, upon developing a prediction, theprediction subsystem 4106 can identify performance indicators that donot conform to business criteria or business rules. For example, theprediction subsystem 4106 can identify those performance indicators thatcross a threshold. In another example, the configuration script 4110 canidentify a functor placing limits on the rate of change of a particularmutable influencer. In cooperation with the prediction subsystem 4106,the prescription subsystem 4108 can formulate a desired set of futureinfluencer values that conform to the limits placed on the influencervalue by the functor identified by the configuration script 4110.

In particular example, such an analytics system 4100 can performanalysis of data and utilizing the configuration script, can process thedata through each subsystem to provide a desirable set of user actionsas indicated by the prescribed influencer future values. The useractions can be displayed on a display device.

In a further example, the configuration script 4110 can identify otherconfiguration scripts to be incorporated into the configuration script4110. As such, previously developed configuration scripts that provide adesired function or have been tested individually can be implemented inthe configuration script 4110.

The functionality, such as data processing or extraction, transfer andload (ETL), modeling, prediction, or prescription is illustrated asbeing associated with a particular subsystem or module. Alternatively,the functionality can be split between subsystems or modules or twofunctions can be associated with the same subsystem or module. As usedherein, separate logical modules providing, in combination, a functionsuch as extraction transfer mode (ETL) are discussed a single module.Further, a logical module providing more than one of the above-describedfunctionalities is treated as two separate subsystems or modules or asingle logical module encompassing two functional modules or subsystems.

For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an analysis system 4300 including aprocessing subsystem 4302, an aggregation subsystem 4304, a modeling andpredictions subsystem 4306, and a prescription subsystem 4308. Aconfiguration script 4310 is in communication with each of thesubsystems 4302, 4304, 4306, and 4308 of the analytics system 4300. Inaddition, each of the subsystems 4302, 4304, 4306, and 4308 can beaccessed through a user interface, through which a user can directlyenter parameters and select options. The user interface may also accessthe configuration script 4310 to populate the user interface.

As illustrated, the preprocessing subsystem 4302 accesses structureddata 4312 and unstructured data 4314 and incorporates an interpreter4316. The aggregation subsystem 4304 performs additional data processingfunctions, for example, aggregating data having a defined timegranularity and determining derived variables based on expression. Incombination, the preprocessing subsystem 4302 and the aggregationsubsystem 4304 perform the extraction transfer load (ETL) functionsuseful for an analytic system 4300. As such, the preprocessing subsystem4302 and the aggregation subsystem 4304 can be treated as a singlesubsystem or can be treated as two separate subsystem.

A model and predictions subsystem 4306 performs both modeling andprediction functionality and as such, can be a logical subsystem thatincorporates two functional subsystem: one for modeling and one forpredictions. In such an example, the model and predictions subsystem4306 can access the configuration script to retrieve both scriptingassociated with modeling and scripting associated with predictions.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, an exemplary method 4200 includes receiving aconfiguration script 4202. The configuration script can identifyelements useful by one or more of the subsystems of an analytic system.For example, the configuration script can identify variables, such asmutable influencers, immutable influencers, or performance indicators.Further, the configuration script 4202 can include identification ofalgorithms and associated parameters for use by each of the subsystems.For example, the configuration script can include identification of thedata source, and the variable to be associated with the data source. Inanother example, the configuration script can include a selected modeltype as well as parameters to be used in developing a model of theselected model type. In another example, the configuration script caninclude a time horizon or time granularity to be applied to aprediction. In a further example, the configuration script can includean optimization algorithm or an objective function.

Based on information provided by the configuration script, dataassociated with influencers and performance indicators can be prepared,as illustrated at 4204. For example, a preprocessing subsystem canaccess a configuration script to determine a data source, the nature thedata source, algorithms or interpreters to be utilized in accessing thedata source, or which variable to associate with data acquired from thedata source.

Utilizing the processed data, a model can be derived based on the data,for example, using an insight or modeling subsystem, as illustrated at4206. In particular, the insight subsystem can access the configurationscript to retrieve, identification of influencers and performanceindicators, a model type and parameters associated with formulating ordeveloping a model of the selected model type. The insight subsystem canderive the model utilizing the information of the configuration script.

As illustrated at 4208, a set of future influencer values and futureperformance indicator values can be projected, for example, by aprediction subsystem. The prediction subsystem can access aconfiguration script to identify influencers and performance indicators.In addition, the predictions subsystem can access the configurationscript to retrieve a time horizon and time granularity to be associatedwith the projected future influencer values and future performanceindicator values.

As illustrated at 4210, a set of prescribed actions can be prescribed,for example, by a prescription subsystem. The prescription subsystem canaccess a configuration script to identify mutable influencers, as wellas performance indicators. In addition, the prescription subsystem mayaccess the configuration script to identify an objective function,optimization method, and parameters associated with the optimizationmethod. Further, the prescription module may access the predictionssubsystem and iteratively perform predictions based on the prescribedfuture influencer values.

Once a set of prescribed future influencer values is determined, theprescribed influencer values may be translated into prescribed actionsand displayed, as illustrated at 4212. For example, the futureinfluencer values may directly identify user actions to be implementedto maintain the performance indicators in compliance at a future date.Alternatively, the influencer values may be translated through analgorithm into select user actions that can be implemented by abusiness. Such user actions can be displayed, as illustrated 4212.

In an embodiment, the configuration script can take the form of adomain-specific language (DSL). In an example, the script can be aprogram. In the example below, the configuration script sharessimilarity with programming languages, such as C++. However, aconfiguration scripting syntax can be configured to emulate the syntaxof other programming languages or follow a unique syntax.

In an example, the configuration script identifies variables for use bythe analytics system. For example, the configuration script can identifyvariables, such as mutable influencers. In another example, theconfiguration script can identify immutable influencers, mutableinfluencers, performance indicators, or a combination thereof. Theconfiguration script can include a section marker, for example,identified with a leading “#” marker. For example, a mutable variable(“material”) may be identified as:

-   -   # mutables    -   material;

Where the influencer is constrained, such as with a set limit or with afunctor, the influencer may be characterized by the constraint.

# mutablesengineering staff=m*t+bm>=−1m⇐10b>=1;engineering_hours<=1000;

A variable can be a continuous variable, an integer variable, or acategorical variable, among others. As such, a constraint associatedwith the variable can be expressed in a manner consistent with thevariable's nature. In particular, a constraint section can defineconstraints or business rules associated with variables other thanmutable influencers.

//identifies the constrain section

# constraints

// a continuous variable with a constraint

burn_rate<=1000;

// a categorical variable, where !@ is NOT IN

shipping !@ {truck, train};

Such constraints can include functor constraints (constraint functionsof time or other variables) having a linear or higher order expressionin terms of time or optionally in terms of other variables. As such, aconstraint relationship between a variable and time or between twovariables can be established. For example, three variables may beconstrained so that their sum cannot exceed a fixed value. Further, theconstraint section or a separate business rules section may identifythresholds or other boundaries that if crossed by a performanceindicator indicate a problem, error, or undesirable condition.

The configuration script can further include sections specific tosubsystems within the analytics system, for example, identifyingalgorithms to be used by the subsystem and specifying parametersassociated with the algorithm. In an example, the configuration scriptcan identify a data source, an associated algorithm for processing thedata source and the variable to associate with the data source. The datasource can be structured or unstructured.

//identifies a data section

# data

//identifies a structured data source, associated variable, and parsingmethod

data_source_1=“\\data_folder\data_file.txt”

engineering staff

tab_delimited;

//identifies an unstructured data source, associated variable,associated type,

interpretation method, and a parameter associated with theinterpretation method

data_source_2=“\\data_folder\interview.mp3”

customer_sentiment

audio_mp3

sentiment_module_2

p=3;

In another example, the configuration script can identify a model foruse by a modeling subsystem or an insight subsystem. For example, theconfiguration script can include a model section and specify a modelalgorithm and associated parameters.

//identifies the model section

# model

//identifies the model and associated parameters

nueral_net_module_2

level=3

More than one model can be identified. In addition, selection criteriacan be identified for selecting between models for the system or for aparticular performance indicator. Exemplary selection criterion caninclude accuracy or error rates, deviations, R² factors, or othercriterion.

In a further example, the configuration script can specify parametersfor a prediction, such as a time horizon or a time granularity. The timegranularity can specify a period (e.g., days, weeks, months) or if theperiod is consistent throughout the system, can specify a number ofperiods (e.g., 1, 2, and 5). The time horizon can specify the lastperiod (e.g., 5 for the fifth period). Alternatively, the time horizoncan specify a specific time. For example, the configuration script canprovide a predictions section.

//identifies the prediction section

# prediction

//identifies a time granularity

granularity=weeks;

//identified a time horizon

# at

5; // Weeks #5 (from “now”).

In a further example, the configuration script can provide a section forprescriptions. The prescriptions section can identify an optimizationroutine, a performance indicator around which to optimize or anobjective function, or a time horizon or endpoint.

//identifies a prescriptions section

# prescription

//identifies a performance indicator around which to optimize

profit;

# at

5; // Week #5 (from “now”).

When a time horizon is specified for both the predictions subsystem andprescriptions subsystem, the time horizon specified for theprescriptions subsystem can take precedent during the prescriptionsoperation. Alternatively, the time horizon specified for the predictionssubsystem can take precedent.

In an additional example, the configuration script can incorporate otherconfiguration scripts. For example, previously developed scripts can beincorporated to simplify operations and reuse established scripts.

//file inclusions

# include “other_script.pal”

The analytics system can further include a parser to assist withsubsystem access to the items of the configuration script. In anexample, the parser can construct objects accessible to the varioussubsystems.

The analytics system, associated subsystems, configuration script,parser, and data sources can be implemented on one or more computationaldevices connected through various communications protocols. Inparticular, access between a subsystem and another subsystem can befacilitated by direct communication or by communication through datastorage accessible to both subsystems. Similarly, access from asubsystem to the configuration script can be facilitated by directaccess to the script or to data objected parsed from the configurationscript.

While a variety of system topologies can be used to implement the abovedescribed system, a topology, such as the topology illustrated in FIG.13 can be used to implement embodiments of the systems and methods.Topology 2000 comprises performance metric analysis system 2220(including associated data store 2222) comprising one or more computerdevices 2230. These computing devices 2230 can, for example, byorganized as a cluster which can be a loosely or a tightly coupledcluster and include one or more load balancers (not shown). Performancemetric analysis system 2220 (e.g. one or more of computing devices 2230)can be coupled through network 2270 to computing devices 2210 (e.g.computer systems, personal data assistants, kiosks, dedicated terminals,etc.), one or more locations of an entity 2240 and one or more thirdparty data sources 2250 operable to provide, for example, market data,benchmarking data, etc. Network 2270 can be for example, the Internet, awide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN) or any other type ofconventional or non-electronic communication link such as mail, courierservices or the like.

Generally speaking then, entity 2240 can be a business, non-profit, orother type of entity which implements a process. This process can, forexample, be a business process which relates to the functionality orperformance of the entity. As discussed above, for example, suchbusiness processes can comprise the implementation of customer servicethrough a contact or call center, the implementation of transactionservices, the management of supply or demand chains or other inventorymanagement, the implementation of field services, the implementation andmanagement of sales pipelines, etc.

No matter the type of processes implemented by the entity 2240 however,it can be useful to measure or otherwise analyze (including predicting,simulating, optimizing, etc.) the performance of such a processutilizing a performance metric, such as a KPI as discussed above.Accordingly, entity 2240 can desire to utilize and monitor theseperformance metrics related to these processes for a variety of reasons,including improving the performance of such processes, reducing the costof implementing such processes, controlling the quality of suchprocesses, preempting issues which can occur in the future with respectto these processes, substantially optimizing solutions to futureproblems and predicatively determine the effect of certain solutions toanticipated future problems, etc.

To that end, performance metric analysis system 2220 can gather datafrom entity 2240 or a third party data source 2250 to analyze such datato perform analysis on such data and can present an interface such thatone or more users at computing devices 2210 can determine what analyticsare utilized, the data used for these analytics, view, or affect theresults, of such analytics, etc. Embodiments of such interfaces havebeen discussed previously herein.

More specifically, in one embodiment, performance metric analysis system2220 can implement a set of analytics comprising at least predictiveanalytics, root-cause analytics, optimization and what-if simulation.Colloquially speaking, predictive analytics allows users (for example,associated with entity 2240) to identify and quantify problems(including opportunities) related to one or more performance metrics,root-cause analysis allows users to identify, quantify and rankinfluencers of performance metrics which can cause any upcomingproblems, optimization can determine substantially optimum solution topreempt (or benefit from) any determined upcoming problems and what-ifsimulation allows a user to determine the effect of prescribed solutionson performance metrics.

To implement such analytics, performance metric analysis system 2220 cangather data directly or indirectly related to one or more performancemetrics from entity 2240. Entity 2240 can have multiple locations 2240a, 2240 n where each entity location 2240 a, 2240 n can comprisemultiple servers or other types of computing devices 2242 which areinvolved in the implementation of the process by the entity 2240 or thestorage of data involved with the implementation of the process. In someinstances, entity locations 2240 a, 2240 n can have computing deviceswhich run according to different operating systems or protocols, orwhich implement different types of applications or databases inconjunction with the process.

Each entity location 2240 a, 2240 n can have an associated ETL collector2260 which is responsible for collecting appropriate data regarding theprocess or one or more associated performance metrics from variouscomputing devices 2242 utilized in the implementation of the process orused to store data involved with the implementation of the process. ETLcollector 2260 can send the data gathered at the corresponding entitylocation 2240 to the performance metric analysis system 2220 in responseto a request from the performance metric analysis system 2220.

Thus, performance metric analysis system 2220 can, based upon one ormore schedules, send out requests to each ETL collectors 2260 at each ofthe entity locations 2240 a, 2240 n and receive, in response, a set ofdata corresponding to that performance metric and that entity location2240 a, 2240 n collected over a certain time period. This data can bestored in data store 2222. Analytics can then be performed by theperformance metric analysis system 2220 using the data gathered from theentity locations 2240 a, 2240 n. The analytics performed by performancemetric analysis system 2220 can be determined, at least in part, by auser's interaction with an interface presented by performance metricanalysis system 2220 and the results of the analytic performed cansimilarly be displayed to a user through the provided interface.

Not all of the various entities depicted in topology 2000 are necessary,or even desired, in embodiments, and that certain of the functionalitydescribed with respect to the entities depicted in topology 2000 can becombined into a single entity or eliminated altogether. The topology2000 is therefore exemplary only and should in no way be taken asimposing any limitations on embodiments herein.

Each of the above disclosed methods can be performed on multiplesystems. For example, the methods can include processing data streamsfrom a file system. The file system can be distributed, particularly forlarge data sets. A method can be partitioned in such a way, that it canperform the operations on a partition or subset of the data. Suchprocessing is particularly useful for unstructured data sources havinglarge file size. The results of such processes can be combined in such away that the result is identical to the method applied to a single datasource being combined of all of the partitioned data.

In different embodiments, any presently-disclosed apparatus (or anypresently disclosed computer product including a computer usable medium)can be configured or operative to any presently disclosed method ortechnique.

A computer program product, includes a computer usable medium having acomputer readable program code non-transitorily embodied therein, saidcomputer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement amethod as described above. Computational subsystems can be implementedon the same computer or implemented as separate computers. The terms“module” and “subsystem” are used interchangeably herein.

In the present disclosure, certain routines for calculating data ordisplaying data may be carried out ‘in accordance with’ a certainfactor—for example, influencer identifiers may be ordered or selected inaccordance with magnitudes of one or more deviations. When a routine iscarried out ‘in accordance with’ a certain factor or factors, theroutine can also be carried out in accordance with one or more‘additional factors’ or additional business rules (for example,displayed identifiers may be ordered both according to magnitudes ofdeviations as well as whether or not the influencer is designated as an‘external influencer’ or a ‘controllable influencer.’). In the presentdisclosure, the phrase ‘in accordance with’ (or ‘according to’) shouldbe interpreted as ‘at least in part in accordance with.’

As described above, “controllable influencers,” “actionableinfluencers,” and “mutable influencers” are analogous terms. In anexample, an influencer can be a business input. For example, aninfluencer can be a measurable business input, such as a business inputrelating to an action, a business function, or other business relevantdata. A key performance indicator can be a business output, such as ameasurable indication of performance of a business function.

In a particular example, the system can be used for resource production.

Exemplary resource production can include asset production from landbased resources or other constrained resources. For example, resourceproduction can extend to mining, drilling, and agriculture, amongothers. In a particular example, the resource production include oilproduction.

In oil production, with the value of the end product determined byglobal commodity economics, the basis of competition for operators inupstream exploration and production is the ability to effectively deploycapital to locate and extract resources more efficiently, effectively,predictably, and safely.

In unconventional resource plays, operational efficiency andeffectiveness is diminished by reservoir inconsistencies, anddecision-making impaired by high degrees of uncertainty. Thesechallenges manifest themselves in the form of low recovery factors andwide performance variations.

Conventional techniques relying on modeling, assumptions, andestimations have proven inadequate in highly complex unconventionalresource plays, and legacy analytic tools and technologies have beenunable to keep pace with the explosion of data generated and captured byproducers and their ecosystem of service providers.

The proposed system helps operators anticipate and improve wells. Theproposed system incorporates data, regardless of source, structure,size, or format, to prescribe actionable recipes for drilling,completing, and producing wells that maximize their economic value atevery point over the course of their serviceable lifetimes. The bottomline for operators is improved returns on deployed capital: more oil,more predictably, for less cost.

As exploration and production companies transition from securing acreageto producing it, efficiency and effectiveness matters more than grossproduction volume. Markets reward producers that are not simply able toproduce more hydrocarbons, but recover them cheaper, faster, and moreconsistently. Avoiding the superfluous or sub-optimal deployment ofcapital is particularly important to smaller independent producers, asmaintaining adequate borrowing capacity is existential. The significanceof operational efficiency and effectiveness intensifies in volatile ordeflating price environments.

Operators face challenges including 1) establishing the repeatable,scalable processes to improve the value of the operators' assetportfolio; 2) decision-making is impaired by reservoir inconsistencies,variability, and high degrees of uncertainty; 3) variability: shaleplays are notoriously inconsistent, with a large number of widelyvariable engineering parameters and geologic properties; 4) complexity:(The interrelationships between and among controllable anduncontrollable variables that influence production and drive well-scaleeconomics are often unclear or unknown. As such, it is difficult todiagnose cause and effect with confidence); 5) uncertainty: values orranges for a number of critical variables and reservoir parameters areoften unknown; and 6) technological limitations and constraints: (Oiland gas producers and their ecosystem of service providers are producingand capturing more data than ever before). These complex, varied, andmassive data sets are being generated at an ever-increasing velocity.Any one of these factors—volume, variety, or velocity—can overwhelm thecapacity of legacy tools and technologies, to say nothing of all threeat once.

Technological and analytical limitations and constraints often lead tooperators oversimplifying complex problems. While widespread adoption ofmodels, assumptions, and estimations may have been adequate forconventional reservoirs, this approach has proven inadequate in highlycomplex unconventional resource plays.

The operator's business problems and their root causes manifestthemselves in the following ways:

Planning

-   -   Reliance on a “manufacturing” approach to improve asset        economics;    -   Inability to correlate cause and effect with accuracy and        confidence;    -   Standardized well designs;    -   Overreliance on inference, assumptions, and models;

Execution

-   -   A trial-and-error approach to incremental improvement;    -   Geometric completions;    -   Inability to accurately measure completion effectiveness;

Results

-   -   Low recovery factors;    -   Wide performance variations.

Unable to optimize on a per-well basis, operators look to influenceeconomic returns through cost and process efficiencies, shifting thefocus from making money to saving money. However, such approaches areoften suboptimal.

The proposed system incorporates data, having a variety of sources,structures, sizes, or formats, to prescribe recipes for drilling,completing, and producing wells that improve economic value over thecourse of their serviceable lifetimes. The proposed system providesrecipes that incorporate location-based physical and geologiccharacteristics, as well as constraints and objectives andoperator-specific asset management strategies.

The end result is compressed learning curves and an improved return ondeployed capital: more oil, more predictably, at a lower cost than whatis occurring today. For example, results can include increased recoveryfactors, faster breakeven/payback, higher rate of return, higher assetnet present value, accelerated development of the highest return assets,reduced surface footprint, and elimination of marginal or uneconomicwells.

In particular, the proposed system can provide for analysis of fielddata on an on-going basis. The limitation of traditional analytic toolsand methodologies has been an inability to incorporate the breadth ofdata that generates meaningful results. Legacy analytic tools are simplyincapable of incorporating unstructured data—video, images, acoustics,free texts, and such—into their algorithms.

The proposed system incorporates data from many source, informats—including audio, video, image, text, and numbers—in order toextract insights and generate dynamic prescriptions for more efficient,effective, repeatable, and scalable production.

In particular, the proposed system integrates the data and continuallyanalyzes it together to generate actionable recommendations for changesthat produce better results.

Further, the proposed system predicts, prescribes, and adapts. Thesystem generates predictions and prescriptions using a number ofanalytic techniques and scientific disciplines in combination, includingadaptive machine learning, meta-heuristics, operations research, andapplied statistics, operating within the context of client-definedbusiness rules.

As a result, the system is able to predict future outcomes and generateactionable recommendations to benefit from the predictions. Becausereal-world conditions are anything but static—especially true in shaleplays—the system can continually incorporate new data to re-predict andre-prescribe, thus automatically improving prediction accuracy andprescribing better decision options.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the system can identify and collect data. Thedata can include unstructured/hybrid data, structured data, or streamingdata. Exemplary unstructured/hybrid data includes text video, images,and sound. Structure data can include spreadsheets, database queries,and other structured files, such as CSV files. Streaming data caninclude structured or unstructured data that arrives periodically in adata stream. As used herein, structured data has a pairing of at leasttwo data values, whereas unstructured data lacks such a pairing.

The unstructured data can be preprocessed and the streaming data can bepreprocessed to form structured data useful in the analysis process. Thesystem can further prepare the structured data by discovering types ofdata, removing outliers, imputing missing data, normalizing the data,selecting features, extracting, and splitting data sets. The structuredata can be used in modeling and meta model training and validation.Resulting models can be used to predict and validate performance of theprocess being modeled and to prescribe new actions that can be executed,measured and provided to the system.

In a particular example, the unstructured data can include drillingreports, which are narrative text reports that typically incorporatenotes by an operator utilizing various acronyms, lingo, and depthinformation. Often, the drilling reports include multiple acronyms thatrefer to the same factor. In a particular example, the drilling reportscan be applied to a model developed with machine learning to ascertainimportant events and the associated depth at which those events happen.Such events and their associated depth can be fed through the structureddata to the modeling training and validation and be used for predictionand prescription. The machine learned model can include a neuralnetwork, a classification model, or a combination thereof. In anexample, the classification model can be a heuristic classificationmodel. In another example, the model can include convolutional neuralnetworks, recurrent neural networks, or any combination thereof.

In a particular example, the data is prepared by feature selection, datatype conversion, record selection, outlier removal, and missing valueimputation. For example, feature selection can include removingidentification figures, removing underrepresented features, removing lowor zero-variance features, and removing highly correlated features(e.g., having a correlation coefficient of at least 0.5). Data typeconversion can include converting categorical string data into numericaldata. In another example, record selection can include removing dataassociated with wells missing a target value (e.g., 180-day cumulativeproduction). Outlier removal can include removing values having 5standard deviations from a feature mean.

In an example, missing value imputation can include preparing a model toimpute production values for days when production is influenced bysomething other than well performance, such as upstream maintenanceissues, shut-ins, weather related issues, among others. In an example,production data is reviewed for the first window during which the wellproduced for a majority of the time. For example, the window can be a30-day window, but other window durations can also be envisioned. Insuch an example, the production data can be reviewed for the first30-day window in which there are 20 days of production. For days of noor little production, values can be imputed using production values froma combination of days before and after. In a particular example, theproduction can be imputed from an average of actual production valuesfrom 3 days before and 3 days after the no or low productions day. Theprocess can be continued for periods extending beyond the window, suchas to 60 days, 90 days, or 180 days, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, historical data, such as drilling data,completion data, geological and geophysical data, and production data,can be utilized to form a field specific model. As used herein, a fieldspecific model is a model derived from the data, but is not a finiteelement or finite difference model. Exemplary drilling data can includesurface location, total vertical depth (TVD), azimuth, dip, inclination,geo-steering, logs, and drilling reports. Exemplary completion data caninclude completion date, treated lateral length, number of stages,treated length per stage, clusters (number and spacing), perforationdensity and phasing, proppant type and amounts, fluid type and volume,and treating pressures, rates and duration, or initial or final fracgradients associated with completion and treatment of the wells.Exemplary geological and geophysical data can include stress or pressuregradients, raw or composite geologic attributes (such as Mu, Rho,Lambda, Mu*Rho, or Lambda*Rho), Eta, coherency, curvatures, delta T,DTSM, or mineralogy (volumetrics by weight or percentage), among others.The data can also include seismic, geomechanical, geochemical,lithology, or petrophysical or petrochemical data. Exemplarypetrophysical data can include gamma ray log data, porosities (raw oradjusted), permeability, saturations (oil, gas or water), resistivity,or density. Exemplary reservoir data can include thickness, TOC, OIP, orGIP. Exemplary geochemical data can include Young's modulus, Poisson'sRatio, closure stresses, or XRF. Exemplary production data can includedate of first production, a number of days of oil/gas/water productionvolumes (e.g., 30 days, 90 days, or 180 days), daily gas output, dailyoil output, daily water output, type curves, fluid properties, or GOR.

Such data can be used to further create synthetic variable data. Asynthetic variable is derived from one or more other variable. Asynthetic variable can be an algebraic combination of variables, a stepfunction, or a combination thereof. In a particular example, thesynthetic variable is derived from a time factor in addition to otherfactors. For example, a synthetic variable referred to as a proximitydepletion variable can be determined based on Euclidean distance betweenstages of nearby wells, a time difference between completion, and adepletion curve. In particular, the proximity depletion variable caninclude a step function in either time or distance and be proportionalto time, distance, production, or a product, quotient, sum or differencethereof. In another example, a fracking order feature variable can bedetermined based on fracking end dates of wells proximal to each otherand having parallel laterals. In a further example, a synthetic variablecan include a fraction hit feature, which quantifies the effect ofcompleting a new infill well in the vicinity of producing wells. In anadditional example, a synthetic variable can include a flow feature,which separates the impact of operational policies, such as shut-ins andchoke restrictions, to isolate the impact of completion design decisionson production.

Such data can be utilized to create a drilling engine, a completionsengine, a production engine, or a combination thereof. In an example,the system can include a plurality of engines, such as a plurality ofcompletion engines. Each completion engine, for example, can beassociated with a different geological structure. In another example,each completions engine can be associated with a different formationtype. The engines are derived from field specific models associated witha specific basin, reservoir, geological structure or formation. Thedifferent engines can include neural networks, regressions,classifications, or other engine types, or a combination thereof.

The completions engine can derive completions parameters from anassociated set of variables. The variables include given variables andactionable variables. In an example, the actionable variables can beranked by influence on the completions parameters. The set of variablescan include synthetic variables. For example, the set of variables caninclude a proximity depletion synthetic variable.

In an example, the completions engine is derived based on machinelearning using a machine learning technique. Such as machine learningtechnique can be automatically selected by the system from a set ofmachine learning techniques, such as random forest, linear regression,stochastic gradient descent, K-neighbors, Bayesian ridges, orcombinations thereof. The completions engine can incorporate a neuralnetwork or a regression based on correlations derived from a fieldspecific model.

The system can include two or more completions models, e.g. fordifferent fields. Each completions model has an associated set ofvariables. The associated set of variable can include differentvariables than sets of variables associated with other completionsmodels. In another example, the associated set of variables can beranked differently than the rankings of variables associated with othercompletions models.

The system can also include drilling engines, production engines, oranalysis engines incorporating structures associated with neuralnetworks, regressions, and classifications.

The prescription analytics engine can utilize the engines to prescribedactions taken by an operator or driller, or field management. Forexample, the prescription analytics engine for a particular well canprescribed a treated lateral length, number of stages, proppantquantity, proppant concentration, a proppant mix, the amount of proppantper gallon, a flow rate of proppant, or a combination thereof, amongothers.

Further, the prescription analytics engine can include financialprojections and optimization can be performed based on a financialprojection constraint. For example, design, completion, or operationsparameters can be prescribed to provide a desirably high net presentvalue of the well. In another example, design, completion, or operationsparameters and operational parameters can be provided to provide hightotal output. In an additional example, design, completion, oroperational parameters can be provided for a well having a constraintcompletion cost, improving the net present value given the completioncost constraint. In other examples, the prescription analytics canfurther incorporate financials for a field reservoir as a whole,providing for a number of wells, the speed at which new wells aredrilled, optimizing for total output field or individual wellproduction, and total net present value of the reservoir.

The output of the prescription can be displayed to the user, forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In particular, the output candisplay design, completion, and operational parameters as a list ofactionable variables. The list can be an ordered list. For example, thelist can include an order or higher influence variable to lowerinfluence variables. The system can provide both a current value of theactual variable and a proposed improved value. Optionally, the displaycan further display reservoir parameters.

In addition, the system can display the projected production forecastsbased on the present parameters and the improved values, as well asfinancial projections based on the current values and the improvedvalues. As such, the system can provide both projected production valuesbased on the prescribed values and current values, as well as thefinancial projections such as the present value, rate of return, andpayback period.

In a further example, the system can associate wells drilled within thefield to determine the influence of a given well on other wells, assistwith predicting the performance of the well given its associated wells,and further predict field performance based on the behavior of wellswithin the system and the influence of wells on other associated wells.For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a set of wells 1702. The system canselectively associate (1704) wells to synthesize features and variablesthat influence field production and individual well production.

Further, the system can prescribe subsequent wells and predict theinfluence of such wells on future production of adjacent wells and thefield as a whole. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the field 1800can include wells 1804. The prescribed well 1802 can influence theproduction of other wells 1804. The system can project production andfinancial consequences for the individual wells and the field as awhole.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the system can further utilize operationalparameters and drilling and completion parameters to predict productionand prescribed operational parameters to enhance the desired output ornet present value. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, t0 representsthe beginning of production. The time prior to the beginning ofproduction represents the design and completion of the well. In anexample, the operator can utilize the design and completion data topredict operational parameters that will influence production throughfirst 30, 90 or 180 days or beyond or for the lifetime of the well. Inaddition, the operator can utilize data from the design and completionof the well, as well as production through a first period, such as 30days, to prescribe operational parameters for the well going forward. Inaddition, the system can provide guidance as to how the operationalparameters implemented in the first 30 days affect production throughthe first 90, 180 days or the lifetime of the well. Such prescriptionscan also indicate when artificial lift is to be installed and other suchtreatments. Another exemplary prescription includes enhanced recoveryoptions.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, set of wells 5000 can include runs thatextends through a producing structure 5002. As illustrated, thehorizontal portions of the wells 5004, 5006, 5008, and 5010 extendapproximately parallel to each other through the structure 5002. But,the producing runs of each of the wells 5004, 5006, 5008, and 5010 canreside at a different height within the structure and run at slightlydifferent angles providing different horizontal distances between wells.For example, the horizontal portion of the well 5006 can extend throughthe structure 5002 at a vertical position higher than the horizontalportion of the well 5004, as indicated at 5014. In addition, the wells5004 and 5006 can extend with an average horizontal distance 5012. Ithas been found that several factors influence the production anddepletion curves of the individual wells, including proximity toadjacent wells, the completion parameters associated with the adjacentwells, the order in which the adjacent wells are brought online, and theorder and nature in which subsequent fracking treatments are given,among other factors.

In another example, production and configuration of a well can beinfluenced by factors other than those specific to a particular well.For example, mechanical failures, maintenance schedules, weather, otherlogistics influences, or any combination thereof, can influence theproduction of a well and provide little indication as to the productioncapabilities of the well. As such, the actual production from a well canbe characterized by high variability or periods of no production, asillustrated in FIG. 21. By observing factors that influence productionof the well relate to the structure and configuration of the well asopposed to other external factors, the system can establish a productioncapability, represented for example by a synthetic flow featurevariable, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

In particular, it has been found that synthetic variables relating tofracking order, production or flow capability, time and distancesynthetic variables relating to proximity of producing wells and othersimilar synthetic variables correlate more accurately with productionand well performance than traditional variables. Accordingly, fieldmodels incorporating such synthetic variables, derived from informationabout the field, provide more accurate projections about wellcapabilities and performance.

In a particular example, the synthetic variable is derived from a timefactor in addition to other factors. For example, a synthetic variablereferred to as a proximity depletion variable can be determined based onEuclidean distance between stages of nearby wells, a time differencebetween completion, and a depletion curve. In another example, afracking order feature variable can be determined based on fracking enddates of wells proximal to each other and having parallel laterals. In afurther example, a synthetic variable can include a fraction hitfeature, which quantifies the effect of completing a new infill well inthe vicinity of producing wells. In an additional example, a syntheticvariable can include a flow feature, which separates the impact ofoperational policies, such as shut-ins and choke restrictions, toisolate the impact of completion design decisions on production.

In a particular example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the method 5300 forimproving production includes designing a well, as illustrated at 5302.For example, a drilling analysis engine can be used to provide designparameters, such as drilling parameters, for a proposed well. Drillingparameters include location parameters, such as surface location, totalvertical depth, azimuth, dip, inclination; configuration parameters,such as number of segments and location; drill parameters, such as depthspecific spin rates, weight or pressure on the drill bit, or drill bittype; mud parameters, such as viscosity, mud type, flow rates; the like;or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in 5304, data can be received while drilling the well.Such data can include drilling reports, pressure data, and log data,among other data. In response to the received data, the prescriptionsystem, utilizing a drilling analysis engine can adjust the design, asillustrated at 5306.

In addition, the prescription engine can utilize a completion analysisengine to prescribed completion parameters, as illustrated at 5308.Exemplary completion parameters includes treated lateral length, anumber of stages, the location of stages or a treated lateral length perstage, clusters (number and spacing), perforation parameters includingtype, configuration, number, direction, or phasing, and frackingparameters, such as proppant type, proppant amount, fluid type, volume,pressure, rates, duration, or initial or final frac gradients, or acombination thereof.

As illustrated at 5310, the well can produce, and data resulting fromsuch production can be utilized by the system to improve the drillinganalysis engine or completion analysis engine and improve prescriptionsresulting from the application of the engines.

Such a method can benefit from a field specific model incorporatinggeological factors, production history and well locations, particularlyincorporating synthetic variables. In particular, the field specificmodel is not a finite element or finite difference model. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 24, a method 5400 includes receiving fieldinformation, as illustrated at 5402. The field information can includeproduction data, location of wells, features associated with thegeological structure, parameters and configurations used in drilling,completing, and maintaining a given well, as well as depletion curvesand other information.

As illustrated at 5404, a set of synthetic variables can be derived fromthe field information. Such synthetic variables can include a proximitydepletion variable, a fracking order feature variable, a fraction hitfeature, a flow feature, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated at 5406, the field specific model can be built based onthe field information and the synthetic variables. Such a field modelcan be used by analysis engines to generate prescriptions, such asdrilling recipes, completion recipes, postproduction maintenance,treatment, and configuration recipes, as well as predict production fromthe wells.

One particular source of field information is the drill reports(unstructured text data). The drill reports include a large number ofentries of narrative text with incorporating abbreviations and operatornotes having limited syntax and grammar. For a given well, the drillreports can incorporate thousands of entries. The entries in a singledrill report can be provided by several operators, each using differentabbreviations to address the same factor. In an exemplary method,illustrated in FIG. 25, analyzing such drill reports can be performedautomatically. For example, the method 5500 includes receivinghistorical drill reports, as illustrated at 5502. Based on thehistorical reports, an analysis engine can be trained, as illustrated at5504. In particular, the analysis engine can include a neural network ora classification structure.

Once the analysis engine is trained, a new drill report can be received,as illustrated at 5506, and the drill report can be processed using thetrained analysis engine to detect drill information and events, asillustrated at 5508. For example, the drill information can includedrilling parameters associated with depth, such as spin rates, weight orpressure applied to a drill, mudflow parameters, or other drillinformation associated depth. Further, drill events such as stringevents (pulling or inserting the drill string), repair issues (e.g.,drill bit damage, pump damage), mud loss, or other events that occurredduring drilling can be identified along with an associated depth. Theidentified drill events are provided as structured data for use in thefield specific model. Such drill information and events can be appliedto the field specific model for future use in determining drill recipes.Alternatively, such information can be used while drilling a particularwell to adjust drill recipes as events occur.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, a method 5600 includes selectinga drill location, as illustrated at 5602. The drill location can includea pad location (e.g., latitude and longitude) and can also include alocation within a structure, characterized by total vertical depth(TVD), azimuth, and dip or inclination.

Using a drill analysis engine and the field specific model, a drillrecipe can be prescribed, as illustrated at 5604. Exemplary drillrecipes include a number of segments, location of such segments,drilling spin rates, weights, mudflow parameters, and other factorsrelating to the drilling of the well.

As illustrated at 5606, drilling can be initiated in accordance with thedrill recipe. For example, drilling can proceed using the establishedsegments and segment locations, as well as spin rates, weights,mudflows, other factors, or a combination thereof.

The system can detect a drill event, as illustrated at 5608. Such eventscan be detected, for example, by analyzing drill reports. In anotherexample, an operator can directly enter a drill event into the system.Drill events can include deviations or changes in the drillingparameters and can include unexpected events, such as mechanical issues,mud loss, string events, drill bit failure, or other unexpected events.

Based on the detected drill events, the system can prescribe an adjusteddrill recipe, as illustrated at 5610. For example, the system canprescribe a drill recipe having a different number of segments orlocating segments at different positions to adjust the recipe given thenature of the drill events. In another example, the system can adjustspin rates or weights applied to the drill bit or can adjust mudparameters to suit conditions detected while drilling. As illustrated at5612, drilling can proceed using the adjusted drill recipe.

Such an approach can be used to limit lost drilling time, the use ofresources, such as mud, equipment wear, and ultimately cost associatedwith drilling a well.

A system to perform the methods described herein can include a fieldspecific model and engines derived from such a field specific model,such as a report analysis engine, a drilling analysis engine, acompletion analysis engine, a production analysis engine, which can eachbe utilized by a prescription engine to achieve an objective. Asillustrated in FIG. 27, the system 5700 can include an interface 5702.The interface 5700 can include network interfaces, equipment interfacesor user interfaces, such as displays, keyboards, and pointer devices.The system 5700 can also interface with other equipment, permitting thesystem 5700 to adjust parameters on the fly. The system 5700 can alsoinclude computational circuitry 5704 configured to implement variousprocedures and instructions, for example, stored in non-transitorystorage 5706. In a particular example, the system can include a fieldspecific model 5708 that incorporates the information associated with afield, including geological information, drilling and productionhistory, synthetic variables, and other factors.

The system can further includes various engines derived from orutilizing the field specific model 5708. Such engines can be implementedas a single unit or can be implemented separately to provide the desiredfunctionality. For example, the system can include a report analysisengine 5710 trained to analyze drill reports, such as historical drillreports or current drill reports. Such a report analysis engine 5710 canprovide feedback to further enhance the field specific model 5708 or toprovide information useful by other engines in determining parametersand recipes to be used on a given well or throughout a given field. Thereport analysis engine 5710 can be trained as described above and canincorporated structures, such as a neural network or classification.

In another example, the system 5700 can include a drill analysis engine5712. In an example, the drill analysis engine 5712 can provide drillrecipes associated with a proposed well or can modify a drill recipe asadditional information is available, such as through drill events. Thedrill analysis engine 5712 can be trained as described above and canincorporated structures, such as a neural network or regression.

In an additional example, the system can include a completion analysisengine 5714, which can be used to determine recipes for completing awell. In an example, the completion analysis engine 5714 can be used todetermine when additional treatments can be performed on a well, such asadditional fracking. The completion analysis engine 5714 can be trainedas described above and can incorporated structures, such as a neuralnetwork or regression.

In further example, the system 5700 can include a production analysisengine 5716, which can be used to analyze the production, determining amaintenance schedule or maintenance recipe, predict equipment failure,schedule routine maintenance, suggest the installation of artificiallift, suggest implementation of enhanced recovery, and a predicted timeor date for maintenance, treatment, lift, or enhanced recovery, as wellas other post completion factors associated with producing fluid from awell. The production analysis engine 5716 can be trained as describedabove and can incorporated structures, such as a neural network,regression, or classification.

For example, the system can prescribe a completion recipe. Asillustrated in FIG. 28, a method 5800 can include identifying a locationand history of the well, as illustrated at 5802. The well can be a newlydrilled well. Such information can include the drill parameters used informing the well and other factors such as segmentation and unexpecteddrilling events. The history can also incorporate information aboutsurrounding wells, and associated production histories and completions.

As illustrated at 5804, the system can prescribe a completion recipe,for example, using a position analysis engine applied to the fieldspecific model. In an example, completion recipe includes a number ofstages, perforations parameters, including number, direction, and type,treated lateral length, fracking parameters, such as proppant type,concentration, and amounts, pressure, rates, duration, gradients, andfluid type and volume.

As illustrated 5806, the well can be completed in accordance with thecompletion recipe.

Following completion, cumulative production and maintenance can beassociated with a well. As illustrated in FIG. 29, a method 5900 caninclude receiving initial production information for a well, asillustrated at 5902. For example, the initial production information caninclude production information for an initial period of time such is 30days, 60 days, 90 days or 180 days.

Based on such information as well as the field specific model thatincorporates production information about other wells within the field,a maintenance schedule can be projected, as illustrated at 5904. Themaintenance schedule can incorporate factors such as the desirability toperiodically shut-in a well, rework the well, treat the well at a futuredate, install artificial lift technology at a future date, implementenhanced recovery at a future date, or other factors that influence thecumulative production from the well. Reworking can include drillingadditional segments, blocking segments, recompleting, or a combinationthereof. A maintenance schedule can also predict failure of equipmentassociated with the well, such as transfer pumps, sensors, powersupplies, or containers.

As illustrated at 5906, the maintenance schedule can be implemented. Forexample, a well can be treated such as fracking the well at a dateproposed by the system. In another example, the well can be shut-in fora period of time or periodically for a given duration as proposed by thesystem. In another example, the well can be completely reworked,changing the completion parameters based on the proposed reworkingprovided by the production analysis engine. In a further example, theproduction analysis engine can predict a date at which an artificiallift mechanism can be installed, as well as a type of lift mechanism tobe installed to improve production from the well. Exemplary artificiallift parameters include artificial lift types which includes hydrauliclift, electric submersible pump, gas lift, rod lift, or any combinationthereof.

Further, the method 5900 can be applied to the field or applied to aplurality of wells to determine when implementing enhanced recovery atthe field or within the plurality of wells is advantageous. Enhancedrecovery can include injecting fluids such as water or gas, or injectingsurfactants or carbon dioxide to drive production fluids from thereservoir.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, a method 6000 includes receivinginitial production information, as illustrated at 6002. As above, theinitial production information can include cumulative production for aninitial period, such as 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or 180 days. Theproduction analysis engine can using such information along with thefield specific model project production changes, as illustrated at 6004.Such production changes can include a depletion curve or changes inresponse to reworking, treatments such as fracking, installation ofartificial lift, periodic shut-ins, or equipment failures. Productionchanges can include implementation of enhanced recovery.

Based on projected production changes, the system can prescribe amaintenance schedule that, for example, includes maintaining equipment,installing artificial lift, reworking the well, or periodically treatinga well. For example, as illustrated at 6006, the well can be treated inresponse to the projected production changes. For example, the well canbe fracked at a future date proximal to the proposed fracking date torealize improve production from the well. As illustrated at 6008, theequipment associated with the well, such as transfer pumps, containers,sensors, power supplies, or other equipment, can be maintained toprevent equipment failures predicted by the production analysis engine.In a further example, artificial lift can be installed in accordancewith a recipe provided by the production analysis engine, as illustratedat 6010. For example the artificial lift recipe can include a proposeddate for providing artificial lift, a type of artificial lift, and otherparameters associated with the operating of the artificial lift. In aparticular example, artificial lift can be installed within a six-monthperiod of the proposed date for installing artificial lift such aswithin a three-month period.

The system can further project when reworking a well improvesproduction, as illustrated at 6012. For example, the production analysisengine can project a date at which reworking the well improvescumulative production, for example, accessing a completion engine topropose different completion parameters, such as number of stages,perforations, perforation types, fracking parameters, or othercompletion characteristics. In such a manner, the production analysisengine can project well production from a well, as well as anticipatedfuture costs.

The system can further assist with selecting locations for additionalwells. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 31, a method 6100 includesselecting a location, as illustrated at 6102. In an example, in aniterative process, locations can be selected and the productionassociate with the location can be evaluated to determine whether thelocation is a desirable location for drilling a well.

As illustrated at 6104, the production changes can be projected based onthe proposed location. The proposed location can include a surfacelocation, total vertical depth, azimuth or dip/inclination, or anycombination thereof.

Production changes can include the effect of production on adjacentwells, such as a decrease in production from adjacent wells in responseto drilling a new well. As illustrated at 6106, the proposed locationcan be selected, for example, based on a location that provides animproved production from the field. Such improved production can resultfrom the new production derived from the new well minus the loss ofproduction from other adjacent wells.

The system can project a drilling recipe, as illustrated at 6108. Thedrilling recipe can prescribe parameters and factors, such as a numberof segments and segment locations, drilling parameters and mudflowparameters, among others.

The system can also project a completion recipe, as illustrated at 6110.The completion recipe can, for example, include a number of stages,number and type and direction perforations, treatment options, such asfracking parameters, or any combination thereof.

The well can be drilled and completed at the proposed location, asillustrated at 6112, in accordance with the drilling recipe andcompletion recipe. Optionally, the system can provide feedback andadjust the drilling recipe and completion recipe in response to drillingevents or other factors experienced while preparing the well.

Such methods can lead to improved overall field management, includingimproved production from the field, as well as reducing costs associatedwith maintaining the field. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 32, asystem 6200 includes projecting production improvements of existingwells, as illustrated at 6202. In an example, existing wells producingwith given depletion curves can be influenced by reworking, additionaltreatments, installation of artificial lift, or other factors. Suchmethods can also propose enhanced recovery for a field or set of wells.

In addition, the system can project production improvements based onproposed new wells, as illustrated at 6204. For example, as additionalwells are added based on projected drill recipes and completion recipes,the wells can provide additional production, while limiting a loss inproduction from adjacent wells. As such, the system can determine a setof proposed locations and the projected production from drilling wellsat the proposed locations or project the effect on total fieldproduction based on drilling at the proposed locations. The projectedimprovements in production from existing wells and improvements based onthe drilling proposed new wells can be iteratively performed, leading tothe projected field production, as illustrated at 6206. For example, thesystem can project a field production that results from theimplementation of maintenance programs for existing wells in addition tothe drilling of new wells.

As above, the system can project well maintenance schedules, asillustrated 6208. Such maintenance schedules can have an influence onboth the field production, as well as costs associated with producingfrom the field. The maintenance schedules can include shut-in schedules,artificial lift installation, equipment types, enhanced recovery orcombinations thereof.

Based on the above values, the system can project a production value, asillustrated 6210. Such production value can be used to estimate acreagevaluation, as illustrated at 6212. For example, based on availableimprove production relative to current projected production, the systemcan estimate a valuation of acreage, which provides an indication to abuyer, seller, or leaser of such acreage regarding whether the proposedpricing of such acreage is high or low. Such factors can be influencedby the future market value of production fluids, such as oil or gas, aswell as other economic factors, such as inflation, interest rates,depreciation, and multiples or ratios.

In a first aspect, a method for drilling a well includes prescribing adrill recipe with a drill analysis engine based on a field-specificmodel, the drill recipe identifying prescribed segments, mud flowparameters, and drill parameters, each prescribed segment of theprescribed segments including a start depth; initiating drilling of thewell based on the drill recipe; receiving a drill log in narrative textformat; detecting a drill event inconsistent with the drill recipe byanalyzing the drill log with a log analysis engine; prescribing anadjusted drill recipe with the drill analysis engine based on thefield-specific model in response to the drill event, the adjusted drillrecipe including adjusted prescribed segments; and drilling the wellbased on the adjusted drill recipe.

In an example of the first aspect, the mud flow parameters include depthspecific mud flow parameters. For example, the mud flow parametersinclude mud flow rates. In another example, the mud flow parametersinclude mud viscosity.

In another example of the first aspect or the above examples, the drillparameters include weight.

In a further example of the first aspect or the above examples, thedrill parameters include spin rate.

In an additional example of the first aspect or the above examples, thedrill parameters are depth specific drill parameters.

In another example of the first aspect or the above examples, the drillevent includes a string event.

In a further example of the first aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes a mud loss event.

In an additional example of the first aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes a depth specific drill rate.

In another example of the first aspect or the above examples, the drillevent includes a deviation in drill parameters from the prescribed drillrecipe.

In a further example of the first aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes an associated depth.

In an additional example of the first aspect or the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted drill parameters.

In another example of the first aspect or the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted mud flow rates.

In a further example of the first aspect or the above examples, the loganalysis engine is a machine learned engine. For example, the machinelearned engine includes a neural network model or a classificationmodel.

In an additional example of the first aspect or the above examples, thefield specific model includes a synthetic proximity depletion variable.For example, the synthetic proximity depletion variable is derived fromEuclidean distance between two wells and associated depletion curves.

In another example of the first aspect or the above examples,prescribing with the drill analysis engine further includes determininga regression model based on a correlation between drill recipevariables, geological variables and objectives using the drill analysisengine and based on the field specific data model.

In a further example of the first aspect or the above examples,prescribing with the drill analysis engine further includes applying aneural network drill analysis engine receiving drill recipe variables,geological variables and objectives based on the field specific datamodel.

In a second aspect, a method for drilling a well includes prescribing adrill recipe using a drill analysis engine based on a field-specificmodel, the drill recipe identifying prescribed segments, each prescribedsegment of the prescribed segments including a start depth; initiatingdrilling of the well based on the drill recipe; detecting a drill eventinconsistent with the drill recipe; prescribing an adjusted drill recipeusing the drill analysis engine based on the field-specific model inresponse to the drill event, the adjusted drill recipe includingadjusted prescribed segments; and drilling the well based on theadjusted drill recipe.

In an example of the second aspect, the method further includesreceiving a drill log in narrative text format, wherein detectingincludes analyzing the drill log with a log analysis engine. Forexample, the log analysis engine is a machine learned engine. In anexample, the machine learned engine includes a neural network model or aclassification model.

In another example of the second aspect or the above examples, the drillrecipe further includes mud flow parameters and drill parameters. Forexample, the mud flow parameters include depth specific mud flowparameters. In an example, the mud flow parameters include mud flowrates. In a further example, the mud flow parameters include mudviscosity. In an additional example, the drill parameters includeweight. In another example, the drill parameters include spin rate. In afurther example, the drill parameters are depth specific drillparameters.

In a further example of the second aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes a string event.

In an additional example of the second aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes a mud loss event.

In another example of the second aspect or the above examples, the drillevent includes a deviation in drill parameters from the prescribed drillrecipe.

In a further example of the second aspect or the above examples, thedrill event includes an associated depth.

In an additional example of the second aspect or the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted depth specific drill parameters.

In another example of the second aspect or the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted mud flow rates.

In a further example of the second aspect or the above examples,prescribing includes prescribing using a neural network or a regressionbased on a correlation determined from the field specific model.

In an additional example of the second aspect or the above examples, thefield specific model includes a synthetic proximity depletion variable.

In another example of the second aspect or the above examples, thesynthetic proximity depletion variable is derived from Euclideandistance between two wells and associated depletion curves.

In a third aspect, a system includes a field-specific model; a loganalysis engine; a drill analysis engine; an interface; andcomputational circuitry in communication with the field-specific model,the log analysis engine, the drill analysis engine, and the interface.The computational circuitry to prescribe a drill recipe using the drillanalysis engine based on the field-specific model, the drill recipeidentifying prescribed segments, mud flow parameters, and drillparameters, each prescribed segment of the prescribed segments includingan associated depth; receive a drill log in narrative text format viathe interface; detect a drill event inconsistent with the drill recipeby analyzing the drill log with the log analysis engine; and prescribean adjusted drill recipe using the drill analysis engine based on thefield-specific model in response to the drill event, the adjusted drillrecipe including adjusted prescribed segments.

In an example of the third aspect, the mud flow parameters include depthspecific mud flow parameters. For example, the mud flow parametersinclude mud flow rates.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the drillparameters include weight.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, thedrill parameters include spin rate.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, thedrill parameters are depth specific drill parameters.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the drillevent includes a string event.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes a mud loss event.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes a drill rate.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the drillevent includes a deviation in drill parameters from the prescribed drillrecipe.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes an associated depth.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted drill parameters.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, theadjusted drill recipe includes adjusted mud flow rates.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, the loganalysis engine is a machine learned engine. For example, the machinelearned engine includes a neural network model or a classificationmodel.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, thefield specific model includes a synthetic proximity depletion variable.For example, the synthetic distance/time variable is derived fromEuclidean distance between two wells and associated depletion curves.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples,prescribing with the drill analysis engine further includes determininga correlation between drill recipe variables, geological variables andobjectives using the drill analysis engine and based on the fieldspecific data model.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples,prescribing with the drill analysis engine further includes applying aneural network drill analysis engine receiving drill recipe variables,geological variables and objectives based on the field specific datamodel.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes a drilling rig configured to drill a well inaccordance with the drill recipe.

In a fourth aspect, a method for determining a drill event includesreceiving a set of historic drill reports with annotations, the historicdrill reports including a plurality of entries including multipleacronyms relating to a single drilling factor, a set of entries of theplurality of entries indicating an associated depth; training a reportanalysis engine utilizing the historic drill reports and annotations;receiving a drill report associated with a well; and determining a drillevent and associated depth utilizing the report analysis engine appliedto the drill report.

In an example of the fourth aspect, the drill event includes a mud lossevent.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes a string event.

In a further example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes a depth specific drill rate.

In an additional example of the fourth aspect and the above examples,the drill event includes a deviation in drill parameters from theprescribed drill recipe.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes an associated depth.

In a further example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, thereport analysis engine includes a neural network.

In an additional example of the fourth aspect and the above examples,the report analysis engine includes a classification model.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, thehistoric drill reports are unstructured data in the form of text.

In an additional example of the fourth aspect and the above examples,the method further includes incorporating the drill event into a fieldspecific model.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes determining an adjusted drilling parametersbased on the drill event using a drilling analysis engine.

In a fifth aspect, a method for determining a drill event includesreceiving a set of historic drill reports with annotations, the historicdrill reports being unstructured data in the form of text, the historicdrill reports including a plurality of entries including multipleacronyms relating to a single drilling factor, a set of entries of theplurality of entries indicating an associated depth; training a reportanalysis engine utilizing the historic drill reports and annotations;receiving a drill report associated with a well; determining a drillevent and associated depth utilizing the report analysis engine appliedto the drill report; and determining an adjusted drilling parametersbased on the drill event using a drilling analysis engine.

In an example of the fifth aspect, the drill event includes a mud lossevent.

In another example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, the drillevent includes a string event.

In an additional example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes a depth specific drill rate.

In another example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, the drillevent includes a deviation in drill parameters from the prescribed drillrecipe.

In a further example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thedrill event includes an associated depth.

In an additional example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thereport analysis engine includes a neural network.

In another example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, thereport analysis engine includes a classification model.

In an additional example of the fifth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes incorporating the drill event into a fieldspecific model.

In a sixth aspect, a method of drilling a well includes receiving depthspecific drill parameters associated with drilling wells within a field;receiving drilling report entries associated with drilling the wellswithin the field; applying a report analysis engine to the drillingreport entries to determine a drilling event; determining afield-specific drilling model utilizing the depth specific drillparameters and drilling event; and prescribing a drilling recipe using adrilling analysis engine applied to the field-specific drilling model;and drilling the well in accordance with the drilling recipe.

In an example of the sixth aspect, the method further includes receivinggeological parameters associated with the field, wherein determining thefield-specific drilling model utilizes the geological parameters.

In another example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, thedrilling recipe includes a number of segments and associated depths.

In a further example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, thedrilling recipe includes depth-specific drilling parameters. Forexample, the depth-specific drilling parameters include spin rate andweight.

In an additional example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes receiving mud flow parameters, whereindetermining the field-specific drilling model includes determining thefield-specific drilling model utilizing the mud flow parameters. Forexample, the mud flow parameters include depth-specific mud flow ratesand viscosity.

In another example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, thedrilling event includes associated depth.

In a further example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, thedrilling event includes a mud loss event.

In an additional example of the sixth aspect and the above examples, thedrilling event includes a drill bit event.

In a seventh aspect, a method for drilling a well includes receivingdrilling report entries associated with drilling the wells within afield; applying a report analysis engine to the drilling report entriesto determine a drilling event and depth-specific drilling parameters;determining a field-specific drilling model utilizing the depth-specificdrill parameters and the drilling event; prescribing a drilling recipeusing a drilling analysis engine applied to the field-specific drillingmodel; and drilling the well in accordance with the drilling recipe.

In an example of the seventh aspect, the method further includesreceiving geological parameters associated with the field, whereindetermining the field-specific drilling model utilizes the geologicalparameters.

In another example of the seventh aspect and the above examples, thedrilling recipe includes a number of segments and associated depths.

In a further example of the seventh aspect and the above examples, thedrilling recipe includes depth-specific drilling parameters. Forexample, the depth-specific drilling parameters include spin rate andweight.

In an additional example of the seventh aspect and the above examples,the method further includes receiving mud flow parameters, whereindetermining the field-specific drilling model includes determining thefield-specific drilling model utilizing the mud flow parameters. Forexample, the mud flow parameters include depth-specific mud flow ratesand viscosity.

In a further example of the seventh aspect and the above examples, thedrilling event includes associated depth.

In an additional example of the seventh aspect and the above examples,the drilling event includes a mud loss event.

In another example of the seventh aspect and the above examples, thedrilling event includes a drill bit event.

In an eighth aspect, a method for completing a well includes receivingcompletion parameters associated with wells within a field, thecompletion parameters including casing parameters, perforationparameters, and fracking parameters; determining a field-specific modelutilizing the completion parameters; and prescribing a completion recipeusing a completion analysis engine applied to the field-specific model,the completion recipe including prescribed perforation parameters andprescribed fracking parameters, the completion analysis engine includinga neural network derived from the field-specific model or a correlationof features in the field-specific model; and completing the well inaccordance with the completion recipe including performing perforationin accordance with the perforation parameters and fracking in accordancewith the fracking parameters.

In an example of the eighth aspect, the method further includesreceiving geological parameters associated with the field, whereindetermining the field-specific model utilizes the geological parameters.

In another example of the eighth aspect and the above examples, theperforation parameters include location, number of perforations, or anycombination thereof.

In a further example of the eighth aspect and the above examples, thefracking parameters include pressure, proppant composition, proppantamount, flow rates, or a combination thereof.

In an additional example of the eighth aspect and the above examples,the field-specific model incorporates a proximity depletion syntheticvariable derived from the distance to adjacent wells from the well andthe time of production of the adjacent wells.

In a ninth aspect, a method for completing a well includes receivingcompletion parameters associated with wells within a field; determininga field-specific model utilizing the completion parameters; andprescribing a completion recipe for the using a location of the well anda completion analysis engine applied to the field-specific model; andcompleting the well in accordance with the completion recipe.

In an example of the ninth aspect, the method further includes receivinggeological parameters associated with the field, wherein determining thefield-specific model utilizes the geological parameters.

In another example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion recipe includes casing parameters. For example, the casingparameters include cement parameters.

In a further example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion recipe includes perforation parameters. For example, theperforation parameters include location. In another example, theperforation parameters include number of perforations.

In an additional example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion recipe includes fracking parameters. For example, thefracking parameters include pressure. In another example, the frackingparameters include proppant amount. In an additional example, thefracking parameters include proppant composition. In a further example,the fracking parameters include flow rate.

In another example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thefield-specific model incorporates a proximity depletion syntheticvariable derived from the distance to adjacent wells from the well andthe time of production of the adjacent wells.

In a further example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion analysis engine includes a neural network.

In an additional example of the ninth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion analysis engine includes a regression based on a correlationassociating features of the field-specific model.

In a tenth aspect, a method for completing a well includes receivingcompletion parameters associated with a well within a field; projectinga production of the well based on the completion parameters using acompletion engine applied to a field-specific model; prescribingproposed completion parameters for the well to comply with a productionobjective using the completion engine applied to the field-specificmodel; projecting a proposed production based on the proposed completionparameters using the completion engine applied to the field-specificmodel; and recompleting the well in accordance with the proposedcompletion parameters.

In an example of the tenth aspect, the method further includes receivinga location of the well, wherein projecting and prescribing are based onthe location. For example, the location includes a horizontal locationwithin the geological structure.

In another example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes receiving geological parameters associated withthe field, wherein projecting and prescribing are based on thegeological parameters.

In a further example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion parameters include casing parameters.

In an additional example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion parameters include identification of stages.

In another example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion parameters include perforation parameters. For example, theperforation parameters include location. In another example, theperforation parameters include number of perforations.

In a further example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion parameters include fracking parameters. For example, thefracking parameters include pressure. In another example, the frackingparameters include proppant amount. In a further example, the frackingparameters include proppant composition. In an additional example, thefracking parameters include flow rate.

In an additional example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thefield-specific model incorporates a proximity depletion syntheticvariable derived from the distance to adjacent wells from the well andthe time of production of the adjacent wells.

In another example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion engine includes a neural network.

In a further example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, thecompletion analysis engine includes a regression based on a correlationassociating features of the field-specific model.

In an additional example of the tenth aspect and the above examples,projecting production include projecting cumulative production.

In another example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes projecting a production of an adjacent wellproximal to the well.

In a further example of the tenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes comparing a recompletion cost to benefitsassociated with the proposed production.

In an eleventh aspect, a method for maintaining a well includesreceiving production information associated with wells within a field;deriving a field specific model from the production information;receiving initial production information associated with the well;projecting a maintenance schedule associated with the well using aproduction analysis engine applied to the field specific model, themaintenance schedule including a maintenance event and an associateddate; and implementing the maintenance schedule on the well.

In an example of the eleventh aspect, the maintenance event includesfracking. For example, the projected maintenance schedule includesfracking parameters. In an example, the fracking parameters includepressure. In another example, the fracking parameters include proppantamount. In an additional example, the fracking parameters includeproppant composition. In a further example, the fracking parametersinclude flow rate.

In another example of the eleventh aspect and the above examples, themaintenance event includes reworking. For example, the projectedmaintenance schedule includes projected completion parameters for useduring reworking.

In a further example of the eleventh aspect and the above examples, themaintenance schedule includes shut-in parameters. For example, theprojected maintenance schedule includes a time and a duration of ashut-in.

In an additional example of the eleventh aspect and the above examples,the production analysis engine includes a neural network derived fromthe field specific model.

In another example of the eleventh aspect and the above examples, theproduction analysis engine include a regression based on a correlationassociating features of the field-specific model.

In a twelfth aspect, a method for maintaining a well includes receivingproduction information associated with wells within a field; deriving afield specific model from the production information; receivingproduction information associated with the well; projecting productionchanges associated with fracking the well at a projected date, theprojecting using a production analysis engine applied to the fieldspecific model, the projecting including determining a set of frackingparameters; and fracking the well in accordance with the frackingparameters.

In an example of the twelfth aspect, the fracking parameters includepressure.

In another example of the twelfth aspect and the above examples, thefracking parameters include proppant amount.

In a further example of the twelfth aspect and the above examples, thefracking parameters include proppant composition.

In an additional example of the twelfth aspect and the above examples,the fracking parameters include flow rate.

In another example of the twelfth aspect and the above examples, theproduction analysis engine includes a neural network derived from thefield specific model.

In a further example of the twelfth aspect and the above examples, theproduction analysis engine include a correlation associating features ofthe field-specific model.

In a thirteenth aspect, a method for producing a well includes receivingproduction information associated with wells within a field; deriving afield specific model from the production information; receivingproduction information associated with the well; projecting productionchanges associated with installing artificial lift at the well at aprojected date, the projecting using a production analysis engineapplied to the field specific model, the projecting includingdetermining a set of artificial lift parameters; and installing theartificial lift at the well in accordance with the artificial liftparameters.

In an example of the thirteenth aspect, the artificial lift parametersinclude an artificial lift type. For example, the artificial lift typeincludes a hydraulic pumping system. In another example, the artificiallift type includes an electric submersible pump. In an additionalexample, the artificial lift type includes a gas lift system. In anotherexample, the artificial lift type includes a rod lift system.

In another example of the thirteenth aspect and the above examples,installing includes installing within 6 months of the projected date.For example, installing includes installing within 3 months of theprojected date.

In a further example of the thirteenth aspect and the above examples,the production analysis engine includes a neural network, a regression,or a classification derived from the field specific model.

In an additional example of the thirteenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the production analysis engine include a correlationassociating features of the field-specific model.

In another example of the thirteenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes projecting a difference in revenue.

In a fourteenth aspect, a method for maintaining equipment associatedwith a well includes receiving production and maintenance informationassociated with wells within a field; deriving a field specific modelfrom the production and maintenance information; receiving productioninformation and equipment information associated with the well;projecting a maintenance event associated with the equipment associatedwith the well and an associated projected date, the projecting using aproduction analysis engine applied to the field specific model; andperforming preventative maintenance on the equipment associated with thewell prior to the associated projected date.

In an example of the fourteenth aspect, the maintenance event includes afailure of artificial lift equipment.

In another example of the fourteenth aspect and the above examples, themaintenance event includes a failure of a transfer pump.

In a further example of the fourteenth aspect and the above examples,the maintenance event includes a failure of a sensor.

In an additional example of the fourteenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the maintenance event includes a failure of a holding tank.

In another example of the fourteenth aspect and the above examples, theproduction analysis engine includes a neural network derived from thefield specific model.

In a further example of the fourteenth aspect and the above examples,the production analysis engine includes a regression based on acorrelation associating features of the field-specific model.

In an additional example of the fourteenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the method further includes projecting a difference inrevenue.

In another example of the fourteenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes projecting field maintenance costs.

In a fifteenth aspect, a method of producing fluids from a geologicalstructure includes receiving field information associated with producingwells of a field; deriving a field specific model based on the fieldinformation, the field specific model including a proximity depletionsynthetic variable and a fraction hit synthetic variable; identifying aproposed location based on the application of field management engine tothe field specific model, the field management engine projecting adecrease in production from wells proximal to the location andprojecting an improvement in a production objective; and drilling a wellat the proposed location.

In an example of the fifteenth aspect, the field information includesproduction values and well locations.

In another example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples, thewell location includes horizontal placement.

In a further example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield information includes geological information.

In an additional example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples,the field specific model further includes a fracking order syntheticvariable.

In another example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield management engine includes a neural network derived from the fieldspecific model.

In a further example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield management engine includes a regression based on correlationbetween the proximity depletion synthetic variable, the fraction hitsynthetic variable, and production values.

In an additional example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples,the method further includes projecting a production of the well. Forexample, the production is cumulative production.

In another example of the fifteenth aspect and the above examples, themethod further includes projecting a production of a plurality of wellsassociated with the field.

In a sixteenth aspect, a method of producing fluids from a geologicalstructure includes iteratively identifying a location in a field;projecting a decrease in production from wells proximal to the locationand a change in a production objective, the projecting based onapplication of a field management engine to a field specific model, thefield specific model including a proximity depletion synthetic variableand a fraction hit synthetic variable; selecting a proposed locationbased on projecting an improvement in the production objective; anddrilling a well at the proposed location.

In an example of the sixteenth aspect, the method further includesreceiving field information associated with producing wells of thefield; and deriving the field specific model based on the fieldinformation.

In another example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield information includes production values and well locations. Forexample, the well location includes horizontal placement.

In a further example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield information includes geological information.

In an additional example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples,the field specific model further includes a fracking order syntheticvariable.

In another example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield management engine includes a neural network derived from the fieldspecific model.

In a further example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples, thefield management engine includes a regression based on correlationbetween the proximity depletion synthetic variable, the fraction hitsynthetic variable, and production values.

In an additional example of the sixteenth aspect and the above examples,the method further includes projecting a production of the well. Forexample, the production is cumulative production.

In a seventeenth aspect, a method of managing production in a fieldincludes projecting a first production improvement associated withmaintenance of existing wells with a production analysis engine appliedto a field specific model; projecting a second production improvementassociated with drilling new wells; projecting a field maintenanceschedule with the production analysis engine applied to a field specificmodel; determining a production value associated with the field.

In an example of the seventeenth aspect, projecting the secondproduction improvement includes projecting a production decreaseassociated with a well proximal to a new well.

In another example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the first production improvement includes projecting a wellrework.

In a further example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the first production improvement includes projecting arecompleting a well.

In an additional example of the seventeenth aspect and the aboveexamples, projecting the first production improvement includesprojecting production following installation of artificial lift.

In another example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the first production improvement includes projecting ashut-in schedule for a well.

In a further example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the second production improvements includes identifying alocation of a new well.

In an additional example of the seventeenth aspect and the aboveexamples, projecting the second production improvements includesprojecting a drilling recipe of the new well at the location. Forexample, the drilling recipe includes a number of stages and associateddepths. In an example, the drilling recipe includes drilling parametersor mud parameters. In another example, projecting the drilling recipeincludes projecting with a drill analysis engine. For example, the drillanalysis engine includes a neural network derived from the fieldspecific model. In a further example, the drill analysis engine includesa regression based on a correlation derived from the field specificmodel.

In another example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the second production improvements includes projecting acompletion recipe of the new well at the location. For example,projecting the completion recipe includes projecting with a completionanalysis engine. In an example, the completion analysis engine includesa neural network derived from the field specific model. In anotherexample, the completion analysis engine includes a regression based on acorrelation derived from the field specific model.

In a further example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples,projecting the second production improvements include projecting usingthe production analysis engine applied to the field specific model.

In an additional example of the seventeenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the production analysis engine includes a neural networkmodel.

In another example of the seventeenth aspect and the above examples, theproduction analysis engine includes a regression of a correlationderived from the field specific model.

In an eighteenth aspect, a method of analyzing an offered well includesreceiving production information and a location associated with anoffered well in a field; projecting a depletion curve based on theproduction information; projecting an improved production in response tomaintenance of the offered well using a production engine derived from afield-specific model; determining a value difference based on theimproved production relative to the depletion curve.

In an example of the eighteenth aspect, the production engine includes aneural network derived from the field-specific model.

In another example of the eighteenth aspect and the above examples, theproduction engine includes a regression based on a correlation derivedfrom the field-specific model.

In a further example of the eighteenth aspect and the above examples,the maintenance includes fracking. For example, projecting the improvedproduction includes projecting refracking parameters. In an example, therefracking parameters include pressure. In another example, therefracking parameters include proppant amount. In a further example, therefracking parameters include proppant composition. In an additionalexample, the refracking parameters include flow rate.

In an additional example of the eighteenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the maintenance includes reworking. For example, projectingthe improved production includes projecting completion parameters foruse during reworking.

In another example of the eighteenth aspect and the above examples, themaintenance includes well shut-ins. For example, projecting the improvedproduction includes projecting a time and a duration of a shut-in.

In an additional example of the eighteenth aspect and the aboveexamples, the maintenance includes installing artificial lift. Forexample, projecting the improved production includes projecting anartificial lift type. In an example, the artificial lift type includes ahydraulic pumping system. In another example, the artificial lift typeincludes an electric submersible pump. In an additional example, theartificial lift type includes a gas lift system. In a further example,the artificial lift type includes a rod lift system.

In another example of the eighteenth aspect and the above examples, themaintenance includes implementing enhanced recovery.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorders in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for drilling a well, the methodcomprising: receiving information associated with one or more producingwells in a field, the field having field characteristics includinggeological, geophysical, petrophysical, lithological, and mineralogicalcharacteristics, a first portion of the field information being receivedin a form of structured data, and a second portion of the fieldinformation being received in a form of unstructured data; transformingthe unstructured data into transformed structured data; based on thereceived field information in the form of the structured data and thetransformed structured data, building a plurality of field-specificmodels, each of the plurality of field-specific models being specific tothe field characteristics of the field; receiving information associatedwith a further one or more wells in the field; determining a test set ofinformation from the received information associated with the furtherone or more wells in the field, and validating each of the plurality offield-specific models using the test set of information; based onresults of the validation, selecting one of the plurality offield-specific models; prescribing, using a drill analysis engine andbased on the selected field-specific model, a drill recipe, the drillrecipe identifying prescribed segments, mud flow parameters, and drillparameters, each prescribed segment of the prescribed segments includinga start depth; initiating drilling of the well based on the drillrecipe; receiving a drill log generated during drilling of the well innarrative text format; detecting a drill event inconsistent with thedrill recipe by analyzing the drill log; prescribing, using the drillanalysis engine and based on the selected field-specific model, anadjusted drill recipe in response to the drill event, the adjusted drillrecipe including adjusted prescribed segments; and drilling the wellbased on the adjusted drill recipe.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe mud flow parameters include depth specific mud flow parameters. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the mud flow parameters include mud flowrates.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the mud flow parameters includemud viscosity.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the drill parametersinclude weight.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the drill parametersinclude spin rate.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the drillparameters are depth specific drill parameters.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the drill event includes a string event.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the drill event includes a mud loss event.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the drill event includes a depth specificdrill rate.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the drill event includesa deviation in drill parameters from the prescribed drill recipe. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein the drill event includes an associateddepth.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted drill recipeincludes adjusted drill parameters.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereinthe adjusted drill recipe includes adjusted mud flow rates.
 15. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of field-specificmodels includes one or more of a regression model, a Markov chain, atime series model, a state space model, a Bayesian model, or a neuralnetwork.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality offield-specific models includes one or more machine learning models.